Betty & family, I just heard of your sweet Don’s passing. I pray your hearts are healing, knowing he rests with the Lord & is no longer suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. 

Heidi Martz

Remembering Dad: Donald Licht
Speech for a Memorial Service

Good [morning/afternoon/evening],

We gather here today not just in mourning, but in love, in gratitude, and in deep respect—for a man who touched so many lives in quiet, powerful ways. Donald Licht wasn’t just a man. He was a husband, a dad, a grandfather, and a friend. And though he left us too soon, we hold close the many moments and memories he gave us. He didn’t just live—he loved, and he made sure we felt it.

To some, he was Donald. To others, he was Dad, or Grandpa, or simply a good friend. But to all of us, he was a steady light—strong, honest, kind-hearted, and deeply loyal. He had a way of showing up when it mattered most, of saying the right thing when words were hard to find, and of making you feel like you mattered.

As a husband, he was devoted and steady, sharing a love built not just on words but on actions—on years of quiet support, shared laughter, and the kind of bond that only grows deeper with time. As a dad, he was our protector and teacher, showing us not just how to live, but how to live well—with integrity, with faith, and with love. He was always there, whether we needed advice, a joke to make things lighter, or just someone to listen.

As a grandfather, he was a source of joy and strength. He cherished every moment with his grandkids—those little sparks of energy and love who lit up his eyes every time he saw them. He told stories, he gave hugs that made you feel safe, and he passed on lessons that will stay in their hearts forever.

And as a friend, he was the kind of man you could count on. The kind who would lend a hand without being asked. The kind who remembered the small things, who valued loyalty, and who carried himself with quiet dignity.

His passing has left a space that can't be filled. It came too soon for all of us. But we take comfort in knowing that he is home now—in a place of peace, where pain no longer touches him, and where he is reunited with loved ones who went before.

And while we miss him deeply here on earth, we carry his memory forward. Every story we tell, every lesson we live out, every laugh we share in his name—these are the ways we keep Donald’s spirit alive.

Let us remember him not only with tears, but with thanks. Thanks for the time we had. Thanks for the love he gave. And thanks for the legacy he leaves behind—in each of us.

We love you, Dad. We miss you. And we’ll keep carrying you in our hearts until we meet again.

Dad's Funeral Serive is at 
Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Atlanta
4000 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342
Date and Time for Funeral and Memorial.Serive
Sunday, June 15. 2025. at 12 noon

Dad's Memorial Funeral and Committal is at 
St. John Lutheran Church 
6950 Ward Rd, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Saturday Oct. 4th 2025 at 10am. 








Donald (Dad) was born and raised in the Town of Wheatfield, North Tonawanda, NY, where he attended school and church at St. John's Lutheran Church. He was proud to serve as a Captain at St. Johnsburg Fire Company. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. His last wish was to rest at his home birthplace in New York. At the same time as his illness, his wife also had several health issues and is not able to work at this time. Because of this, his passing has already caused financial hardship. Any funds received will be used to help establish his final resting place in NY and finally allow him to be at peace.
Donnie suffered a series of strokes in November of 2020. Since he was hospitalized during the height of COVID-19, physical therapy and other necessary medical care were hard to receive. He was in and out of several nursing and rehab facilities but ultimately was not able to walk or get out of bed on his own for the last five years of his life due to insurance denials of therapy and reduced staffing. His condition quickly worsened over the previous six months, and he passed away due to several complications from stage 5 kidney failure on June 1, 2025.

My Dad loved everyone and loved his family very much. With him getting sick for the past few years, not many insurances would take him, and since his death, it's been hard to come up with funds for all of this since we did not expect it to be this fast. Just a few weeks ago, we could still talk to and see him. He just got sick all of a sudden, and his kidneys and everything else just got worse.


Our goal is to make our Dad's dreams come true to be laid to rest back home in New York. 

We are asking for any help anyone could give to go towards the funeral services and burial. Several people have asked about sending flowers, but any funds towards the funeral would be most appreciated.





Help Us Lay Donald to Rest in His Hometown

Our beloved father, Donald, passed away on June 1, 2025, after several years of declining health and a difficult final battle with stage 5 kidney failure. He was 65.

Donald—lovingly known as Donnie—was born and raised in North Tonawanda, NY, where he attended school and church at St. John's Lutheran Church. He served proudly as a Captain at the St. Johnsburg Fire Company and was a passionate Buffalo Bills fan, never missing a game.

More than anything, Donnie loved his family. He faced tremendous medical challenges with strength and resilience. In November 2020, he suffered a series of strokes at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, due to staffing shortages and insurance limitations, he was never able to receive the therapy he needed. For the last five years, he was unable to walk or get out of bed on his own. Despite everything, he remained mentally sharp, loving, and connected to us.

His condition worsened rapidly in the past six months. Just a few weeks ago, we were still talking with him. Then suddenly, his kidneys failed, and we lost him far sooner than we were prepared for.

Donnie’s final wish was simple: to be laid to rest in his hometown in New York.

Our family is now facing not only this heartbreaking loss but also a financial hardship. Our mother, his wife, is also seriously ill and unable to work. Unfortunately, insurance did not cover much of his long-term care, and we were unprepared for the costs associated with his passing.

We are humbly asking for your help to cover funeral expenses, transportation, and burial in New York—so we can honor his final wish and bring him home.

Many have asked about sending flowers, but if you’re willing, a contribution toward his final arrangements would be more meaningful than we can express. Any amount—no matter how small—would make a big difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read about our dad, and for keeping our family in your thoughts during this time.

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Poole Funeral Homes, Celebrating Lives Lived!

OBITUARY

Donald Norman Licht Jr.

March 10, 1960 – June 1, 2025

Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services

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