Don was born October 2, 1932, in Johnstown, PA, the only child of Emery and Pauline (Amershek) Baretincic. He graduated from Johnstown High School in 1950; the University of Omaha in 1964; and completed a Master’s Degree from Southwest Texas State in 1983.
In 1953, Don entered the USAF Aviation Cadet Basic Observer Training Program at Lackland AFB for the start of his 20-year service career. Don met the lovely Gladys Joan Laird on Galveston Beach in May of 1954. They married on April 15, 1955 in Houston, TX. Don’s dedicated service in the Air Force took him to many countries and numerous stateside bases. He retired from the USAF in 1973. As a civilian, Don spent 20 years employed by the State of Texas in the Department of Health and Human Services and retired in September 1993.
Don and Joan shared life together for almost 65 years working on family, careers, and enjoying retirement at Blue Lake Estates in Texas. Joan preceded Don in death in November 2019. They are survived by their daughter Deborah Guasp, granddaughters Rachel (Jesse) Doane and Megan Michelle Gonzales, and their great-grandchildren Erika and Dominic, all of Denver, CO.
Due to potential severe weather conditions, the graveside service has been cancelled. The dedication of the grave will take place at a later date.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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