Don was born March 24, 1928 in Staten Island, New York to Charles and Helen Baetz. Hen grew up on Staten Island. In 1944, Don enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served until 1946. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he returned to New York and in 1951 married Florence “Pat” Franzreb. In 1957 he and Pat purchased the Statesman Motel in Alexandria, Virginia. They remained in the business until 1978. In 1964 Don began a long and successful career in the moving and storage business. Over the years he managed accounts for Atlas and United and was sales manager for Allied. Don retired in 2003. He was an avid golfer. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and many friends. Don never met a stranger.
Don was preceded in death by his brother, Robert. He is survived by: his wife, Pat; his daughter Susan Brown and her husband Marc and: his granddaughters and light of his life, Amy and Sara Brown. The family is eternally grateful to the staff of Kindred Hospital, along with Drs. Gentry, Lasek-Nesselquist, Mynderse, Tang and Herlihey.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday September 15, 2011 at 7:00 pm at The Village of Tanglewood, 1600 Augusta Drive in Houston, Texas.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation (www.macular.org) or the charity of your choice.
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