Donald was raised from early childhood on 11th Street in San Jose, California, surrounded by his sisters Mildred, Rosemary and Joyce. He grew up in an age when movies cost a nickel and a good cowboy picture show was always playing.
Donald served in the U.S Army from 1943-1945 as a medic in the 42nd Rainbow Division, where he saw combat in the European Theater of Operations. He was a P.O.W. from January, 1945 to April, 1945.
Donald was a longtime member of the California Farm Bureau Association, Royal Arcanum Club and Teamsters Union. He retired in 1991 after 30+ years driving bobtails and semi-trucks for Rathjen and Young’s Market Liquors.
Donald is survived by his caring wife of 60+ years, Lillian, his children Randy (Sarah), Starr, Dennis (Nikki), Crystal (Richard). In addition, Donald was the proud grandfather to Kyrie (Andrew), Brooke, Marissa, Gabriel, Charlotte and Olivia and Great Grandson Evan.
A visitation for Donald will be held Tuesday, August 30, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will include a rosary from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chape, 710 Willow Street, San Jose.
A second visitation, also at Lima Erickson, will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A funeral mass will follow visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Saint Christopher Catholic Church, 2278 Booksin Avenue, San Jose. Burial services to follow mass at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara.
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