Monsignor Salvatore Philip Mitchell of Hermitage passed away at 10:07 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2016, in UPMC Horizon Hospital, Farrell.  He was 99.

Monsignor Mitchell was born December 12, 1916, in Sharon, PA, a son of Philip and Sadie Gioia Mitchell.  He attended the former Sacred Heart Parochial Grade School in Sharon and was a 1934 graduate of Cathedral Preparatory High School in Erie.  He obtained his bachelor's degree in Philosophy from St. Bonaventure College, Olean, NY, in 1938, before entering Christ the King Seminary in Buffalo, NY, where he completed his formation for the priesthood in 1942.

Monsignor Mitchell was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Erie on May 14, 1942 in St. Peter Cathedral, Erie by Bishop John Mark Gannon.  He began his priestly ministry as parochial vicar of Holy Redeemer Parish in Warren, PA.  From 1942-1944, Monsignor Mitchell served as a chaplain in the United States Navy during WW II with the Fleet Marine Force and was stationed for a a time with the 12th Service Battalion on the island of Okinawa in Japan.  Following his honorable discharge in 1946, he served as parochial vicar at St. Boniface Parish in Erie, during which time he also served as a faculty member and football coach at Cathedral Preparatory School.  In 1951 he was assigned parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish, Erie, and also served as chaplain of the Veteran's Administration Hospital, Erie.

In 1955, Bishop Gannon appointed Monsignor Mitchell founding pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in West Middlesex.  Shortly after his appointment, he established the parish's Religious Education program.  His next projects were the construction of a social hall, a rectory, the present church and the former Religious Education building.

In 1982, Fr. Mitchell celebrated Mass with Pope John Paul II and was honored by him on the occasion of his 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.  The title of Prelate of Honor (Monsignor) was conferred on him by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in 1984.

Monsignor Mitchell served as a member of the Priest Senate for two terms; a Dean of Mercer Area Deanery; a member of Diocesan Board of Consultors; and was the first Vicar of the Western Vicariate.  Monsignor Mitchell also served on the Pastor's Board at Kennedy Christian High School, Hermitage, from the inception of the school, until the time of his retirement and was largely responsible for establishing the highly regarded Christo Servire Award, which is given each year to a graduating senior boy and girl.  Monsignor was presented the prestigious Kennedy Medal of Honor Award at the 2015 Kennedy Catholic Golden Eagle Gala.  Although Monsignor Mitchell retired on February 12, 1991 after 36 years as pastor of Church of the Good Shepherd in West Middlesex, he continued to celebrate Mass during his retirement at many local churches and St. John XXIII Home in Hermitage.  He celebrated his last Mass on April 3, 2016.

During his years of active ministry, Monsignor Mitchell also served as chaplain for the Catholic Daughters of America, Sharon Court 507 and the Knights of Columbus, Council 684, Sharon.  He also directed the construction of St. John XXIII Home in Hermitage where he served on the board of directors and lived after his retirement.

Monsignor is survived by nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Rose Mary LaFrance and Petrinia Simpson; and his step-father, Michael Muhovich.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Priests Fund at St. John XXIII Home, 2250 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2016 and from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2016 , in Church of the Good Shepherd, 3613 Sharon Rd., West Middlesex.

The Funeral Mass will be at the Church of the Good Shepherd at 11 a.m. with Bishop Lawrence T. Persico as the main celebrant.  Military honors will be rendered by the West Middlesex VFW, Wheatland American Legion and Farrell VFW Honor Guard immediately following the Mass.

Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.

Arrangements by J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.