Donald Richard Pandori

Donald was born in Schenectady, New York, the youngest of 10 children to Michelina and Roberto Pandori, immigrants from Italy. When his father died shortly after his birth, Donald was raised by his loving and large family. He served as an altar boy throughout his youth. After the gift of an accordion from one brother, Donald became an accordion prodigy and a great piano player.

Don was instilled with a resolute work ethic. He graduated from Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady. While in college, he married his love -- the intelligent and witty Susan Guest. As a husband, father, ROTC member, and working musician, Don graduated with an Electrical Engineering degree from Union College.

Their growing family moved to the Philadelphia area when Don accepted a job at Philco. He excelled in his career as the company became Philco Ford, Ford Aerospace, Loral and then part of Lockheed-Martin. In 1976, Ford Aerospace offered to relocate him to California, and the family settled in San Jose.

Donald had an inventive mind. At work he led the design of wide-band satellite communication systems. At home he worked on electronic inventions and could undertake any kind of home project.

Don never lost his passion for the accordion. He played all his life. He visited accordion factories in Italy, buying instruments for himself and friends. He enjoyed the camaraderie within local accordion clubs, and made long-lasting friendships. His engineering mind made him the go-to person for accordion repairs.

He found joy in frequent gatherings with his children, grandchildren, his dear sister Olga’s family, and his family in New York and Italy, chronicled by him through photos and video - always including music. Don personally cared for family and friends in whatever need, whether near or far.

Don is survived by his daughter Michele (Feargal) McGirl, grandson Matthew McGirl; son David (Catherine) Pandori, grandchildren William and Laura Pandori; son Stephen (Hyacinth) Pandori, grandchildren Aubrey and Emily Pandori; Mark (Michelle) Pandori; brother Arthur Pandori (who passed away on March 12th); brother-in-law David Royse, Bridget (Robert) Pandori; his many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Susan, sons Philip and John, his mother Michelina, his father Roberto, and siblings Nicholas (Lillian) Pandori, Peter (Rose) Pandori, Mario (Muriel) Pandori, Henry Pandori, Robert Pandori, Isabelle (Orlando “Ray”) Lupe, Olga Royse and Alfred (Alice) Pandori.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 am, Thursday, April 7th at St. Julie of Billiart Parish, 366 St. Julie Drive, San Jose. In lieu of flowers, donations to the International Committee of the Red Cross efforts to assist Ukraine would be appreciated. https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine.