Don grew up in Jersey City with his 3 older brothers.  He spoke fondly of his younger days, and loved reminiscing about his afternoons at Coney Island.  In his teenage years, he became quite the football star.  He was recruited by a few colleges with full ride scholarships, but he opted to enlist in the Navy at the age of 18.  He enjoyed his military days and retired after 20 years in the service.  His travels took him to Alaska, Guam, Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, and then back to the states. 

He finally landed in California after short stints in Jacksonville, FL, Corpus Christy, Irving & Kingsville, TX.  Although his travels took him out west, he never rid of his Jersey accent.  I think he always considered himself an east coaster! 

Don & Kate were married in the Spring of 1950.  He had 2 sons, Bruce & Don and 1 daughter, Michele.  Bruce is married with 2 beautiful children; Amir & Lena.  Don Jr. passed away in the fall of 1994.  Michele is married with an active brood of 4 (Caitlyn, and the triplets (Brenden, Lauren & Ryan).  Don spent his later years enjoying his grandchildren.  And, they all adored their Grandpa!  

He loved his sports (49ers), movies (any old war movies, Spaghetti westerns), music (Sinatra & Big Band), books (mostly history or war novels), and puzzles!  There wasn’t a day that would go by that he didn’t listen to something by Sinatra.  So, it was only appropriate that the “Best of Sinatra” was played at his Services.  Bruce requested that the funeral home leave it on as long as possible in the evening, so he could finally rest with 'Ole Blue Eyes serenading him. 

Don was quite the fighter and had been battling lung cancer for the last 8 months of his life.  Even through all the radiation and chemotherapy treatments…he never complained and always looked at the bright side of life!

His services were held in Scottsdale, Arizona.  A mass was said for Don on Friday, March 25th followed by the burial @ Hansen Mortuary.  He was laid to rest @ Hansen Desert Hills Memorial Park.  The Navy honored Don by attending the burial (six servicemen, including a Chief).  They performed the gun salute & one of the servicemen played Taps in the background.  The flag was folded and presented to Kate.  He was laid to rest in a beautiful Navy edition casket, with the Navy Seal embroidered on the inside.  It was just as Don would have wanted it!  

Please cherish the wonderful memories you created with him and leave a note or story if you wish!