Collegian Staff Reports
Bob Mitinger, a 1961 All-American for the Penn State football team, passed away Saturday at the age of 64.
Mitinger has been involved in the community since his return to State College in 1971, Mitinger started his own law firm in 1984 and was later a partner in the Mitinger & DeBoef law practice in State College. He was also an instructor of business and real estate law at Penn State University from 1971-94.
"Penn State lost a great person and a loyal supporter in Bob Mitinger," said Penn State assistant coach Galen Hall, who teamed with Mitinger. The two helped lead Penn State to three straight bowl victories from 1959-61. "Bob was always a very competitive player and a leader. He was part of the backbone of the football team."
A native of Greensburg, Pa., Mitinger was a standout two-way player for Penn State, starting three seasons and lettering in 1959, '60 and '61. Called "our finest end in decade and one of the nation's really great defensive performers," by then head coach Rip Engle, Mitinger was selected a first-team All-American by the Football Coaches in 1961. He teamed with future All-American Dave Robinson to form one of the best
end tandems in college football and spearhead an aggressive Penn State defense.
A staple for the Penn State defense for three seasons, Mitinger was a starter on the 1959 Liberty Bowl team that captured Penn State's first-ever bowl victory with a 7-0 shutout of No. 10 Alabama. That team was honored at halftime of the UCF game, but Mitinger was not well enough to attend the game.
He also helped Penn State to victories over Oregon in the 1960 Liberty Bowl and No. 13 ranked Georgia Tech in the 1961 Gator Bowl and was selected to compete in the 1962 Hula Bowl.
Mitinger was part of Penn State teams that finished three-straight years in the Associated Press Top 20 and compiled a 24-8 record from 1959-61. Known mostly for his defensive brilliance and as a bone-crushing blocker, he also compiled 14 catches for 229 yards and two touchdowns over his career. He played in an era where defensive statistics were not kept on record. None was bigger than his fingertip snag of a touchdown pass that sealed a 14-3 Penn State victory over intrastate rival Pittsburgh in the final regular season game of the 1960 season. The following year, Mitinger again broke Pittsburgh's back on defense. He forced a fumble just before halftime that led to a touchdown and a 19-14 halftime lead. Penn State used the halftime momentum to go on to a 47-26 win in their final regular season game and earn a bid to the Gator Bowl.
San Diego of the American Football League drafted Mitinger in the fifth round in 1962. He went on to play seven seasons with San Diego (1962-68). He was named the 1962 Rookie of the Year and was a starting linebacker on San Diego's 1963 AFL Championship team. Washington of the National Football League drafted him in the third round.
He served in the U.S. Army at West Point from 1966-68 and and coached the freshman football team. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Bob Sr., who played for Lafayette College in the mid 1920's and brother, Joe, a captain of the Yale football team in 1952, in obtaining his law degree, from the University of San Diego in 1966.
He worked as an attorney for the AFL Players Association from 1968-70 before returning to Pennsylvania to practice law. He was a two-time past president of the Penn State Quarterback Club and president for many years of the Penn State Varsity Letterman's Club.
The Koch Funeral Home in State College is handling arrangements. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner Street, State College. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Centre Unit, 123 S. Sparks Street, State College, Pa., 16801-3915, or the State College Meals on Wheels, 205 S. Garner Street, State College, Pa., 16801.
