Donald Anthony Del Priore Jr.

Donald (Don, Donnie, DJ) Anthony Del Priore, Jr, was born August 7, 1956 in Bluffton, Indiana to Donald Sr. and Mona Del Priore. Driven and kind, Don was many things - an accomplished student, talented musician, avid golfer, animal lover, and most importantly: a loving husband and father to his wife Gayla and daughter Mona.

Don’s childhood and teenage years were filled with his passions: tee-time with his dad, playing the guitar, listening to music and vacations in his favorite place, Biloxi, Mississippi. Don received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University in Bloomington and then 2 masters degrees from Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne, including one in banking, and helped run his father’s company for several years. When his dad became ill, he cared for him for 8 yrs until his death in 1999.

He was also a business partner to his wife, Gayla. Don’s deep love for dogs led him and Gayla to start a dog rescue in 2012. He then spent the next 8 years of his life rescuing shelter dogs.

Don was a fighter. Having overcome a cancerous tumor in his leg in 2001, Don responded to his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2012 with optimism and strength. Battling for 8 years through all options, Don continued to fight even throughout his final months. Don will be remembered for his strength, kindness, grit, humor, and compassion for animals.

Don leaves behind his wife Gayla Del Priore and his daughter Mona Del Priore; stepchildren Jordan (Ashlyn) Oloomi, Yasamin (Jordan) Kaye, Laudan Oloomi; and granddaughters Eliana and Evelyn Oloomi and soon-to-be born Olivia Kaye. He is also survived by several cousins, and he leaves behind his best bud and dog, Sasha.

Don was proceeded in death by his parents, a half brother Richard, and special dogs, Spike, Bobbie, Jack, among others.

Due to COVID-19, a Celebration of Life may be scheduled at a later time.

Donations in memory of Don can be made to SOUL Dog Rescue & Rehab, PO Box 9774, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46899, PayPal or Venmo at [email protected].