Donald Campbell LeCompte

8/19/1948 – 3/24/2016

Donald C. LeCompte, 67, of East Stroudsburg, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Patricia Ann (Breslin) LeCompte with whom he shared 27 years of marriage and the devoted and proud father to his son Donald E. LeCompte.

Born in Mineola, NY on August 19, 1948, he was the son of the late Samuel Edward (“Eddie”) and Ruth (Campbell) LeCompte. He was raised in New Hyde Park, NY and lived in various communities on Long Island until his retirement in the Pocono Mountains, PA in 2001.

Don graduated from Hofstra University with a B.S. in Business Administration/ Marketing. He also studied at Cobleskill State College and Nassau Community College. He credits his college education to a chance encounter with Mr. James Cash (J.C.) Penney when Don was a student representative of DECA (formerly the Distributive Education Clubs of America). Mr. Penney personally encouraged Don to formally continue his education after graduating from Herricks High School, and helped to ensure that Don was quickly enrolled in college.

Don is best remembered as a master Maitre d’ and Host as the Owner/Operator of Antun’s Caterers in Hicksville. He began his restaurant career when he was recruited for his public speaking ability while serving as the New York State Student President of DECA. That part-time position blossomed into a lifelong career in the restaurant industry where he was later offered the opportunity to purchase the Hicksville catering facility. In 1993, Don was honored by the Long Island Chapter of the New York State Restaurant Association as the “Restaurateur of the Year” – his occupations highest honor.

He shared his expertise and leadership ability by actively serving on numerous boards – both within New York State DECA and the Hicksville community. Don served a 2 year term as the President of the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce and was honored as the 1997 Council of Chambers Small Business Person of the Year. The Nassau County Shields Police Organization honored Don as their “Man of the Year.” He actively served for 15 years on the New York State Restaurant Association Board of Directors as well as the Long Island Restaurant & Caterers Association.

At the stroke of midnight as the new millennium started, Don began his retirement from Antun’s. He moved his family to East Stroudsburg, PA the following year and thoroughly enjoyed his role as “Mr. Mom” for several years. He soon returned to his favorite industry in the dining rooms at Fernwood Resort, Great Bear, and as a member of the opening team for Mount Airy Casino. In 2010 he was honored by the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau as a Gold Pin Award Winner for his outstanding service and representation of the spirit of hospitality in the Pocono Mountains.

He served on the Occupational Advisory Board for the Marketing Education Program at Monroe Career & Technical Institute (MCTI), just as he had done years earlier for the Culinary Programs in the Levittown (NY) Public Schools and the Restaurant Program for the State University of New York at Farmingdale.

Don lived an eventful life. He was a loving husband, father, business man, and friend. He was a well respected business and community leader. His number one priority was his son, Donald, who he taught and shared his leadership skills with. He will be sincerely missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.

In addition to his parents, Don had been preceded in death by his brother Samuel Edward (“Lee”) LeCompte.

In addition to his wife Patty and son Donald, Don is survived by his former wife Claire Harding; his beloved Aunts, and many very dear Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. Don’s extended family has always included the many hundreds of close friends and past employees of Antun’s Catering, as well as the numerous student DECA Members that he has mentored in leadership over the years.

There will be a viewing on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 from 5 – 8 pm at The Lanterman & Allen Funeral Home, 27 Washington Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 30 from 5 - 8 pm at Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home, 47 Jerusalem Avenue, Hicksville, NY 11801.

A final viewing will be held on Friday evening, April 1 at the Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL 33759. Interment will follow on Saturday, April 2 at 11:00 am at the Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL 33759.

Memorial comments may be left for the family on www.Legacy.com.

Arrangments have been entrusted to the Lanterman & Allen Funeral Home.