PORTSMOUTH, R.I. — Retired Navy Senior Sonar Technician Wayne L. Mitchell, 74, of Portsmouth, R.I., unexpectedly passed away on March 12, 2017, at Charleton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, Mass. He was surrounded by family and was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.

Wayne was born in Rockland, Maine, on June 5, 1942, and graduated in the Class of 1960 at Thomaston High School.

Wayne served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1982. His numerous positions included senior sonar technician, advanced acoustical engineer and associate research officer in the Advanced Research & Development Branch of the Submarine Systems Department. He served on both conventional and nuclear powered "Fast Attack" submarines, earning his Silver Dolphins in 1963. He conceived, designed, built and directed the Navy's first Interim Sonar Operational Trainer for Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine Sonar Technicians at Nimitz Hall Naval Submarine School, Groton, Conn.

He received numerous citations and three Navy Achievement medals, among others. Following his retirement from the Navy, he continued his career in research and development with Vector Research Co., EG&G and Raytheon. He retired in 2009 with 47 years in the defense industry, including his time in the Navy.

A favorite past-time was motorcycling and touring with his wife.

His hobbies included woodworking and ceramics, and being "Mr. Fix-it" to all who knew him.

He served as the Youth Swim Team Meet Committee chairman for the Barracudas for several years. He was also head coach for the Squaws youth softball team for three years.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Eugene D. Mitchell Sr. and Lucille Ella (Condon) of Thomaston, Maine. He was also predeceased by siblings, Eugene D. Mitchell Jr. and Brenda M. (Mitchell) Scaccia.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Barbara A. (Bellmore) Mitchell; three beloved children, Jerri Mitchell (Stefan Vienneau), Lori A. (Mitchell) Bottomly (David Bottomly), and Michael D. Mitchell (Leigh A. Mitchell); two grandchildren, Nolan M. Ridlon (Jerri) and Bryce T. Bottomly (Lori); three sisters, Violet (Mitchell) Young (Robert Young), Donna (Mitchell) Pease (Arnold Pease), and Sandra (Mitchell) Coffin (Clarence Coffin); a sister-in-law, Stella (Nutt) Stewart (Robert Stewart), both retired from the U.S. Air Force; and many nieces and nephews.

Wayne’s cremains will be interred with full military honors on June 23, 2017 at Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, Maine. Retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Robert M. Stewart will be the officiant.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.