Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Q: What will you never forget about Donald?
A: It is so difficult to witness the passing of the last member of my parents’ generation in our family. All of us have aged a generation with Uncle Don’s passing.
Uncle Don was an influential and positive role model in my early years, and continued to be throughout his life. A caring and devoted husband and father, a patriot who loved and served his country, and a devout Christian of unwavering faith, even in the face of the struggles in the last chapter of his life.
Uncle Don to me is the modern embodiment of a Renaissance man—a master craftsman who was also intellectually curious, and very well read—books on politics, medicine, and especially, religion.
Although my carpentry "skills" are pretty basic, I owe Uncle Don thanks for fostering them by occasionally hiring me on as his helper on his Saturday construction projects. I was so proud to receive a "nice job" from Uncle Don during a visit to our home many years ago, on the replacement railings and spindles I had fabricated.
While Uncle Bob was the prime motivator of my love of cars and all things motorized, Uncle Don for sure stoked those fires by “letting” me cut his grass with his self-propelled gas-powered lawn mower (we had only a push mower at the time). Believe it or not, as we would ride over to visit Aunt Joyce and Uncle Don on a summer evening I would say “Gee, I hope Uncle Don hasn’t cut his grass yet”.
As everyone knows, Uncle Don was a man of unshakable faith and devotion. He faithfully attended services, and served as a deacon (he also played on the Olivet Baptist softball team in his younger days). He often described his pursuit of insights into faith and belief in our conversations—his faith was clearly a life-long pursuit.
Let me share one experience with Aunt Joyce and Uncle Don that is particularly memorable for me. On their first wedding anniversary they booked a table for dinner at the Shelbourne Hotel in Atlantic City, which at the time was the most posh in the city. And invited me to accompany them. This was back in the days of dress codes, so everyone was in suits and ties, me included.
After the waiter had brought the menus, Uncle Don said to Aunt Joyce, “Wow, these prices are really something, Joy, did you bring any money?” To which she replied “No-o-o-o” (this was before the age of credit cards or ATMs). Much to my alarm they continued to banter about the prices, and how we would probably have to wash dishes for a few hours to pay off the bill. So I dutifully ordered the cheapest entree on the menu, and refused dessert. I was so relieved that when the check arrived, Uncle Don indeed had enough money to pay the bill, although I did feel a bit cheated out of dessert.
And Uncle Don's unwavering support of the Eagles, including many years as a season ticket holder. The depth of his knowledge and insights into the offensive and defensive play of the Eagles, including what they should have done, always amazed me, right up to the present. I'm happy that they finally won a Super Bowl in '18 (and came so close this year) to reward his allegiance through the lean years,.
Uncle Don, thanks so much for being the person you were in my life, particularly the example you set. I have no doubt that you’re enjoying your eternal reward, reunited with Aunt Joyce and other family and friends. I'm sure that you are finally getting answers to the questions you said you were intending to ask the Lord once you entered heaven. I will miss you!
