Frank E. "Mitch" Michener, MD

Frank E. “Mitch” Michener, M.D.

Frank “Mitch” Michener, M.D., passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born July 28, 1939, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Erroll and Esther Michener. He was the loving husband of Olivia, a devoted father to Robin, Cheryl, and Todd, and the adoring granddad of Nick, Izzy, and Preston. He graduated with honors from Princeton University in ‘61 and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in '65. He also completed 4 years of specialty training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and remained on as faculty until he moved and began a private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1973.

With his parents and brother, Jerry, the family moved from Iowa to Evanston, Illinois where his sister, Mary, was born. The family moved to New Jersey prior to his high school years. At Passaic Valley High School he was the class valedictorian, a star athlete in several sports and an elected school wide leader.

He was a person of deep faith who majored in Religion at Princeton. This led to a life dedicated to the care and well-being of others. Before retiring from his practice of 50 years in 2022, he had made a profound impact on countless lives through his compassionate approach and unwavering commitment to his patients. He was known for his keen insight, empathy, and ability to guide and comfort others through life challenges.

He had a diverse set of other talents beyond his professional life. He was an accomplished landscaper, stamp collector as well as first-day cover creator and clever writer. It will surprise many to learn that he was a very competitive guy. With his extended family, he enjoyed annual family reunions and cruises, golfing, skiing, all competitive games, as well as the many summers spent in Nags Head.  His subtle sense of humor delighted others.

He treasured time with the extended family: daughters Robin and Cheryl, son Todd (Jess and grandchildren Nick, Izzy and Preston) brother Jerry (Pat), sister Mary (Audie), nephews Mike (Lenna, Will, Amanda, Henry), Steve (Jenni, Gwynne, Layla), Dave (Brenda, Naylee), Olivia’s sister Karen Kochersperger and Dayton.

He was a member of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House for 40 years where he was active in initiating new groups, adult studies and retreats, and working on outdoor projects. He was an ordained Deacon and Elder, which he considered both a privilege and manifestation of his faith.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM January 18th, 2025, at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 323 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, where friends and family are invited to celebrate his life and the indelible mark he left on our community.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations to honor him be made to the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 323 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (opmh.org) or to research in Glioblastoma (gbmresearch.org) in his memory.