Don was born on Staten Island, NY on December 17, 1936 to Hellen O’Brien Regan and James Regan. He was the youngest brother to James J. Regan and Joan Regan Albitre. He was born and raised in Sunset Hill, living at the same address for 83 years.
Don was a graduate of Sacred Heart School and Curtis High School on Staten Island, New York. Don served in the Navy Reserves as an Electrician's Mate 2nd Class. He worked for the New York City Department of Sanitation as a Bulldozer Operator at Fresh Kills S.I. for 30 years. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union 15. Don was a member of the Knights of Columbus, No. 1675, Henry Stolzenthaler Council.
Don and his wife of 59 years Rosemary (Baratta) Regan have 4 children: Allison Regan, Donald F. Regan Jr, Kimberly (Regan) Macri, and Tricia Regan. Don was very active in his parish, Sacred Heart Church, as well as Sacred Heart School where his children attended. He was a member of the Y.A.C. and an enthusiastic supporter of his children's participation in their sports teams. He and his wife coordinated the Baptism classes, preparing adults for entering their children into the Catholic faith. Don was also active in Scouting as a child and, as an adult, he was a Committee person for Explorer Post 19.
“Don was a true renaissance man!” according to his wife, Rosemary. He was an expert carpenter, lovingly making additions and renovating his childhood home. His love of jigsaw puzzles helped when he designed and created stained glass lamps, windows and decorative window pieces. Don was an avid collector of coins, stamps and useless information, although the latter helped on trivia night. He was a horrible speller, but could calculate measurements and angles for his woodworking projects in metric and standard form without hesitation. Don had a silly and mischievous smile as he would secretly pass a candy to his grandchildren. His laugh was one to make you join in, and along with his twinkling blue eyes, made his role as Santa, a natural one for him.
Having car trouble, electrical issues, holes in your wall? Just call Don. Want a Santa, Rudolph or snow people for your front yard? Don had the plans and would build it for you. Need a ride to or from school, just call Grandpa’s Taxi. Don found his truest joy in helping others; family, friends, neighbors and community.
Don is survived by his wife Rosemary Baratta Regan, Allison Regan, Donald F. Regan Jr & Karen (Rienkevich) Regan, Kimberly (Regan) Macri & Robert Macri, Tricia Regan; Grandchildren: Donald B. Regan, Andrea Regan, Stephanie Macri, Christine Macri, Alexandra Macri, Michelle Macri and Brian Macri and many nieces and nephews.
The Regan family asks that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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