Late Sports Journalist Dick Mittman Outlived His Wife, Patricia, By Almost 18 Years!

Dick Mittman and his wife, Patricia, were married for over half a century.

July 8, 2026

This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on July 8, 2026

Richard “Dick” Mittman, a legendary sports writer, took his last breath on July 1, 2026, at the age of 92, joining Pat, his wife of over half a century.

Born on November 15, 1932, in Indianapolis, Mittman lived a vibrant life filled with storytelling and sports.

He covered everything from the 1984 Olympics to auto racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he worked his dream job.

Mittman leaves behind son and daughter-in-law , daughter Julie Gootee, son Rick, and daughter-in-law ; grandchildren (Kevin) Daly, , , and Sam Mittman.

Likewise, he is survived by his great-grandchildren, Kevin, Elizabeth, Hannah, Andrew, and Abby Daly; sisters-in-law, Linda Smith and Karen Mittman; and several nieces and nephews.

Known for his love of family and sports, Dick left behind a legacy of memories that will live on forever.

His was held on July 7, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East.

Dick is now reunited with his beloved wife, Patricia J. “Pat” Mittman, who passed away years earlier.

Dick Mittman And Pat Were Married For 54 Years!

The sports journalist crossed paths with the love of his life, Patricia Mittman, affectionately known as Pat, in Indianapolis, and soon fell in love.

After graduating from Arsenal Tech High School, Dick Mittman and Pat walked down the aisle on January 30, 1953, just days before Dick left for basic training with the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Despite the distance, their love for each other only grew stronger, and the couple built a tight-knit family of five members, including their three children: Randy, Julie, and Rick.

The journalist would often take his family on road trips for his sports assignments, turning work into family adventures.

His wife, Pat, was his biggest supporter, cheering him on as he wrote for newspapers like the Indianapolis Star and covered his passion, auto racing.

Indy Sports Journalist Mittman’s Wife, Patricia, Died in 2007!

Patricia passed away on a Sunday night on November 4, 2007, at the age of 71, in the Community Hospital hospice in Indianapolis, ending their over half a century of marriage.

Patricia, born on July 30, 1936, in Indianapolis, was a warm and lively woman who made everyone feel at home.

A huge auto racing fan, she attended races at the 16th Street Speedway and later traveled with Dick and their kids to Indy car races.

Pat even worked at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1973, soaking up the excitement of the season.

She also enjoyed thrilling experiences, like riding around racetracks with drivers like Ken Schrader and Desire Wilson.

Likewise, Pat worked at Marshall High School’s front office when her younger kids were students there and was known for her delicious Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve meals, which brought the family together.

Dick and Pat loved traveling, attending races like the Daytona 500, and taking cruises.

Above all, Patricia was a devoted mother to her kids and a proud grandmother to Evy, Bailie, Reed, and Sophia Mittman.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Mittman wrote an astounding 10,188 stories during his 46-year career, averaging 217 articles per year.
• He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he began writing for Stars & Stripes, sparking his passion for journalism.
• Mittman began his career as a copy boy at The Times in 1950, while still in high school, and quickly advanced through the ranks.

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