In the 1970s, newspapers called Mr. Mitosky one of Broadway's top angels - among the most consistent and successsful financial backers of shows. He took pains to decline the title, always quick to point out that much of what he did was advising others where to invest their money.
A 1965 feature in the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin described him as a ``picker of Broadway hits,'' a man with ``a power for theatrical divination'' and a ``lodestone of luck.''
In 1962, Mr. Mitosky and his associates were the only investors owning large chunks of the three plays to win New York Drama Critics Circle prizes: A Man for All Seasons, The Night of the Iguana, and, ironically, the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
In 1965, Mr. Mitosky's picks included Broadway's top four shows: Hello, Dolly!, Barefoot in the Park, Fiddler on the Roof, and Luv.
Other hits he selected for investors included Guys and Dolls, Picnic, The Miracle Worker, The Music Man, Oliver!, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, My Fair Lady, and Hair.
In a business known for its risk, Mr. Mitosky became a millionaire, and it was said that those he advised also made millions.
There were, however, financial failures. Saratoga lost its entire $400,000 investment, and in 1962 All the Way Home, which won a Pulitzer the year before, lost much of its investment.
Mr. Mitosky often expounded on his philosophy for picking plays. While some elements seemed to change with the times and circumstances, he always emphasized that a play ``had to start with a good story.''
Born and raised in Philadelphia, he was a graduate of Central High School, where he was a tackle on the football team. He graduated in 1929 from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was on the swimming and water polo teams.
He then enrolled in Temple University Law School at night, and pursued a dream during the day of being a newspaper reporter - first at the old Public Ledger and then at The Inquirer, the Evening Bulletin, and the Philadelphia Record. His long law career followed.
He is survived by his wife, Joy Klein Mitosky; a daughter, Dina; a stepdaughter, Stephanie Klein; a granddaughter; a sister; and a daughter-in-law.
Services were held Sunday under the direction of Riverside Memorial Chapels in Manhattan.
Memorial donations may be made to the United Jewish Appeal, 99 Park Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016.
