Donald F Willette

Donald F. Willette, 85, of Tobyhanna passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at the VNA Hospice house. He was the loving husband of the late Dolores Willette, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage before her passing in 2012.

Born August 30, 1930 in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, he was the son of the late Arthur and Florence (Ikert) Willette.

Donald was a special man who just loved life and his family. He was a great father who spent all of his time with his children, he was always around and available when he was needed. Don was a member of the United States Coast Guard for six years, where he served during the Korean Conflict. For over 20 years, Don worked as a custodian for the Central Islip School District. Don was also a volunteer ambulance driver and the President of the Civil Service Employee Union (CSEA). He enjoyed volunteering for the Special Olympics where he would run different events and interact with the children. He also enjoyed camping with family at Otter Lake. He was a well-respected man in his community; he will be forever in our hearts as “Pop”, the greatest man of all time.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife Dolores, Donald had been preceded in death by his siblings, Beatrice Herreman, Geraldine Sande, Shirley Lovicott, Arthur Willette and Gene Willette.

Left to cherish his legacy are his children: Donald Willette and his wife Donna of Centereach, NY; Daniel Willette, of East Stroudsburg; Drew Willette and his wife Joanne, of Tobyhanna, PA; Doreen Willette, of Coppell, Tx; his grandchildren: Donald, Tara, Kevin, Daniel, Tyler, Christian, John, Michael, Kristina, David, Joanne, Allison, Drew and Amanda; his great-grandchildren: Chloe, Tyler, Ashley, Jaxon, and L.J.; his sister: Betty Jane Lomprey, of Lacrosse, WI; also, many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a public viewing held Friday, April 15, 2016 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm with a catholic prayer service beginning at 7:30pm, at the Lanterman & Allen Funeral Home, 27 Washington Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301. Interment will follow at 9am Saturday, April 16, 2016 with full military honors at The Prospect Cemetery, 501 Prospect Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Special Olympics, http://www.bethlehemsopa.org/ or (610) 264-3616.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Lanterman & Allen Funeral Home, 27 Washington Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, where online condolences may be made at Lantermanalenfh.com.