Donald Richard Deeley, 88, of Port Richey, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 19, 2012.
He was born in Ithaca, N.Y., to Stephen Milton Deeley and Jesse May Carter Deeley. He married Marjorie Guillaume in 1948 and raised his family in Ithaca before moving to Port Richey, Fla. in 1980.
He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Marjorie G. Deeley; brothers, Fredrick (Eleanor) Deeley and Robert E. (Mary Bell) Deeley; sisters, Dorothy (Frank) Feocco, Marion (Wallace) Gray and Margaret; and grandson, Michael Deeley. He is survived by his dear companion, Dorothy Clay of Port Richey, Fla.; sons, Cort Deeley of Newfield, N.Y. and Stephen (Cheryl) Deeley of Pittsford, N.Y.; daughter, Robin (Bernie) Buttrey of Williamstown, W.Va.; grandchildren, Nathan (Samantha) Deeley of Dryden, N.Y., Marc and Bryan Deeley of Pittsford, N.Y. and Jason (Karla) Buttrey and Kayla (Matthew) Nelson and Travis Buttrey of Williamstown, W.Va.; six great-grandchildren; and eight nieces and nephews.
Donald retired from Cornell University after 20 years as a life safety inspector. In Florida, he worked an additional 10 years at Cypress Elementary School in the Pasco County School District. He continued to volunteer at Cypress Elementary School from 1992-2009 and at Odessa Elementary school from 2010-2011. He had numerous volunteer awards recognizing his time and dedication. Donald served in the United States Air Force and in the United States Navy. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Elks Lodge and the Fireman's Association. Donald was also a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Hudson, Fla. He was known for his humor, wood-working and artistic abilities, his love of parties, card games and golf. Ever ready for a good game, he was golfing until the day before he passed away. He will be greatly missed.
A celebration of Don's life was held Sept. 22, 2012, at the Senate Manor Clubhouse in Port Richey, Fla. His ashes will be interred at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla.
Contributions in memory of Donald can be sent to the American Heart Association, New Port Richey Office, P.O. Box 2251, New Port Richey, FL 34656-2261.
Brewer & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
