Richard C. Mittman

In Loving Memory of Richard “Dick” Carl Mittman (1932–2025)

Richard “Dick” Carl Mittman, 92, traded in his press pass for angel wings on July 1, 2025. Born on November 15, 1932, in Indianapolis, Dick spent his childhood hopping across the American West—Montana, Oregon, Washington, and California—before finding his way back home to Indiana. After graduating from Arsenal Tech High School, he married the love of his life, Patricia “Pat,” on January 30, 1953. Days later, he shipped off to basic training, beginning his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

While in the Army, Dick’s first bylines appeared in Stars & Stripes, sparking a lifelong love affair with storytelling and sports. From that point on, he covered pretty much every sport that involved a ball, puck, horse, wheel, or stopwatch. His career spanned iconic publications like the Indianapolis Times, Chicago Daily News, Indianapolis News, and Indianapolis Star. His words painted the picture of the sports world for readers across the country, from the 1984 Olympics to a pass he famously threw—yes, threw—to Dan Marino in the Hoosier Dome. (We like to think Dan’s career peaked right then.)

But it was auto racing that truly revved Dick’s engine. He capped his legendary writing career with his dream job at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, covering the sport he loved most. As a proud, long-time member of the IMS Oldtimers Club, Dick wasn’t just reporting on racing—he was part of its history. His job never felt like work because he loved every minute of it (though deadline days might be the exception).

Even more than sports, though, Dick loved his family. He and Pat raised three kids—Randy, Julie, and Rick—with love, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos. Whenever possible, he brought them along on road trips and assignments, turning work into family adventures. And while his job kept him moving, his heart never strayed far from home. He rarely missed a chance to cheer on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether it was from the bleachers at a ballgame or the audience of a band concert. Papaw was always the loudest cheerleader… and possibly the loudest critic of bad officiating.

Christmas Eve will never be quite the same without Dick’s dramatic reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, but the stories, love, and laughter he gave us will echo forever. If a life well-lived is measured by the memories left behind, Dick's legacy is a treasure chest overflowing.

He is survived by his children Randy (Michelle) Mittman, Julie Gootee, and Rick (Jerri) Mittman; grandchildren Evy (Kevin) Daly, Bailie, Reed, and Sam Mittman; great-grandchildren Kevin, Elizabeth, Hannah, Andrew, and Abby Daly; sisters-in-law Linda Smith and Karen Mittman; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and fellow sports fans.

He is now reunited with his sweetheart Pat, his parents Helen Christensen and Karl Mittman, his sisters Patti Shepard and Luanne Wulf, and his brother Chuck Mittman.

We miss him already—and we’ll miss him always. 

His memorial visitation will be Monday July 7th, from 9am-12pm, at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East.  His memorial service will begin at 12pm.