Donald R. Bauman

Donald Richard Bauman Senior passed away on June 23, 2025, his 88th birthday, at his home after a long illness. He was born to Herman and Anna, (nee Ruhl), Bauman in Brooklyn, N.Y. both of whom predeceased him. Predeceased also was his son, Donald Richard Bauman Junior and daughter, Charlotte Rector Exel, brother Robert Conrad Bauman and sister Joyce Bauman Berkley.

Don served 26 years in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and 16 years active duty in the army making him at the time of his retirement as a Master Sergeant in 1997, Pennsylvania’s longest continuous service soldier.

As Don served his country faithfully, he was equally faithful to his God. Baptized Lutheran, he held many offices in the churches to which he belonged during his lifetime including St. Matthew’s Lutheran in Philadelphia, P.A., Hope Lutheran in Levittown, P.A., St Andrew by the Sea in Atlantic City, N.J. and Faith Lutheran in New Port Richey, Fl.

Running second only to his wife and children was his love of the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles. It should be noted however, that he continued his whole life to mourn the day the Dodgers left Brooklyn.

He enjoyed golf, chess, pinochle, and stud poker. He surprised everyone who knew him when he joined the Brigantine Lighthouse Theater. Whether selling tickets, painting scenery, or acting on stage as a “Cop” or a “Don” he put all his energy into each production. Don was also a Boy Scout Leader and loved coaching Little League baseball. 

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Bernice, his sons, Daniel (Angelita), Ronald Staller, (Denise), and daughter, Mary Staller, 13 wonderful grandchildren, 19 brilliant great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by his two sisters June Seltner and Jane Vetter of Mullica Hill, NJ.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 followed by services at 11:00am at Faith Lutheran Church, 5443 Sunset Road, New Port Richey, Fl 34652. Internment immediately following the church service will occur at the Military Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or to Tunnels to Towers.

A visitation for Donald will be held Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Faith Lutheran Church, 5443 Sunset Rd, New Port Richey, FL 34652. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5443 Sunset Rd, New Port Richey, FL 34652.

Donald will be laid to rest in Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, Florida 33513.