Mito Chares Bunch — Beloved Portland Community Icon, Decorated U.S. Army Veteran, Accomplished Musician, DJ, and Devoted Friend — Passes Away, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Artistry, Service, and Unwavering Humanity
Mito Chares Bunch, a name cherished in the hearts of many, passed away recently, leaving behind a profound legacy marked by creativity, service, warmth, and an unrelenting passion for bringing people together. Mito’s story was one of resilience, inspiration, and boundless energy—an artist, a soldier, a community member, and a friend to all who crossed his path.
Born and raised in Jefferson, Ohio, Mito’s early life was grounded in the principles of hard work, integrity, and compassion. His small-town upbringing shaped the very core of his being. Jefferson was not just his hometown; it was where the seeds of his artistic gifts, his commitment to service, and his love for people first took root.
From a young age, Mito exuded a vibrant and magnetic personality. Those who knew him in his childhood recall a boy with a contagious laugh, boundless curiosity, and an uncanny ability to uplift everyone around him. His natural creativity was evident early on—whether he was singing along to the radio, acting in school plays, or cooking family meals with care and joy. These foundational traits would blossom into the defining characteristics of his adult life.
Early Education and Artistic Discovery
Mito attended Jefferson Area High School, where he was a dynamic student involved in multiple extracurriculars. He was especially drawn to the performing arts. His talent on stage and his affinity for music made him a standout among his peers. Teachers and mentors remember him as not just talented, but also deeply compassionate and inclusive—traits that made him a beloved presence in any group setting.
Following high school, Mito chose to pursue his passions academically. He attended Gannon University, where he studied Theatre Arts and Acting. It was here that his deep love for performance truly took flight. He became known on campus for his emotive acting, commanding stage presence, and ability to connect deeply with audiences. His professors often commented that he didn’t just act—he became the characters he portrayed.
He later pursued Vocal Performance at PennWest Edinboro, refining a voice that was both powerful and soulful. Whether performing on stage, singing in small gatherings, or rehearsing for an upcoming recital, Mito approached music with reverence. To him, music wasn’t just entertainment—it was a sacred form of human expression.
Mito also attended the University of Maryland Global Campus, expanding his intellectual horizons and further diversifying his already impressive skill set. He was deeply committed to lifelong learning, believing that personal growth was a never-ending journey.
Service to Country: A Soldier and Musician in Uniform
Mito’s path took a profound turn when he enlisted in the United States Army, where he would go on to serve his country with honor and distinction. In a military career that showcased his versatility and discipline, he took on multiple roles. As a soldier, he exemplified courage, dedication, and a tireless work ethic. But it was within the USAREUR Band and Chorus (United States Army Europe) that his unique light truly shone.
Traveling across Europe as part of the Army’s musical ensemble, Mito used his voice and presence to inspire unity, hope, and healing. His performances were more than musical events—they were moments of shared humanity across borders. Whether singing to troops stationed far from home or performing for civilians in international communities, Mito brought the spirit of America, and the soul of an artist, to every note.
Fellow servicemembers recall Mito’s deep commitment not only to excellence in performance but also to the camaraderie and brotherhood that defined military life. He was the heart of his unit—encouraging others, lifting spirits, and finding joy even in the toughest of circumstances.
Return to Civilian Life: A Life Devoted to Music, Community, and Joy
After concluding his military service, Mito transitioned back to civilian life with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to continue sharing his gifts with the world. He eventually settled in Portland, Oregon, a city that matched his eclectic, artistic, and community-oriented spirit. It was here that Mito found a second home, and a community that embraced him wholeheartedly.
Mito became a well-known figure in Portland’s local entertainment scene as a Disc Jockey with Pal Entertainment, bringing music, rhythm, and celebration to weddings, parties, and community events throughout the city and beyond. As a DJ, he had an uncanny ability to read a crowd, lift a room’s energy, and create unforgettable experiences. His sets were more than playlists—they were emotional journeys, tailored to the moment, and filled with his signature touch.
People often spoke of how he turned even the smallest gatherings into deeply meaningful experiences. Whether it was a packed wedding hall or a cozy backyard celebration, Mito brought his whole self to the experience—his love for melody, his infectious smile, and his sincere desire to make people feel seen and celebrated.
In addition to his work in music, Mito also worked as a cook at Orchard Tree, where he nourished others in a different way—through food, warmth, and kindness. For Mito, cooking wasn’t just about feeding people. It was another form of expression, another way to connect and care for others. Co-workers recall his creativity in the kitchen, his meticulous attention to detail, and his constant desire to make others feel at home.
The Heart of Portland: A Bridge Between Communities
In Portland, Mito was more than a performer or a neighbor—he was a cultural bridge, a local icon, and a community builder. He was known for hosting open mic nights, community cookouts, jam sessions, and spontaneous street performances that would draw in people from all walks of life. He created spaces where strangers became friends, and where joy was always on the menu.
He often shared stories of his upbringing in Ohio, drawing connections between his past and his present, reminding people that while backgrounds may differ, the core values of love, music, and connection are universal. He never forgot where he came from—and he used that grounding to enrich the lives of those around him.
Friends describe him as someone who truly saw people. He remembered names, asked thoughtful questions, and gave of his time freely. His laughter was described as “a song of its own”—something that could light up a room. His warmth and charisma made him magnetic, but his authenticity and humility made him unforgettable.
Legacy of a Life Fully Lived
Mito’s passing marks not just the loss of an individual, but the silencing of a voice that once brought harmony to countless lives. His journey from a small town in Ohio to stages across Europe, from military formations to Portland dance floors, was nothing short of extraordinary.
He wore many hats in his life—soldier, student, singer, actor, DJ, cook, friend—but the one constant in all of them was his commitment to others. His life was a symphony composed of service, song, and soulful connection.
Even in death, Mito’s legacy continues to echo. It lives in the songs he performed, in the meals he shared, in the lives he touched, and in the memories he gifted. His presence may be gone, but his spirit remains—dancing through speakers, resonating in the laughter of friends, and lingering in every room where joy is shared.
In the Words of the Community
“He wasn’t just a DJ—he was the soundtrack to some of the best moments of our lives.” – Local Portland couple whose wedding Mito DJ’d.
“Mito made the barracks feel like home. No matter where we were stationed, if he was there, we knew we’d be okay.” – Fellow Army Band member.
“He was the kind of person who’d cook for you, sing for you, and listen to you—all in one afternoon. We’ll never see another like him.” – Co-worker at Orchard Tree.
“He taught me that music is more than sound—it’s a language of the soul. And his soul was beautiful.” – Aspiring local musician mentored by Mito.
Final Reflections
As the community gathers to honor the life of Mito Chares Bunch, we are reminded that some lives are not measured in years alone, but in the joy they bring, the people they uplift, and the love they leave behind.
Mito’s story was not just one of personal achievement—it was one of shared humanity. He lived to bring people together, to celebrate the beauty in everyday moments, and to remind us all that creativity and compassion are among the most powerful forces in the world.
His was a life lived fully. A life that, even in death, continues to inspire.
