Donald P. Hale

Donald P. Hale

Of Windsor

Donald P. Hale, 87, of Windsor, NY, passed away February 29, 2024 following a brief illness.

He is predeceased by his parents, Olwen V. (née Coleman) and Wilbur B. Hale, Sr., of Scranton, Pennsylvania; brothers Bill (Joanne) and John; sister Nancy Swiencki; and daughter Rhea. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret and daughter Mara, his brother Ted (Carole), sister-in-law Audrey (John) and brother-in-law Edward (Nancy), godchildren Nanine Gramigna and Todd Hale, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Don taught high school in Windsor for 30 years, heading the business department, and serving as senior class advisor, tutor, prom chaperone, and dedicated supporter of the Windsor basketball and football programs handling tickets at the door throughout his career. He most enjoyed working with students who faced life challenges. He was a gentle, kind and quiet man who more often than not rooted for the underdog.

A 1953 graduate of Scranton Central High School, Don joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. Upon completion of his tour, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University. He went on to complete a Master’s in Education from Marywood University, sharing the evening commute to night classes with other young Windsor teachers.

Don served his community for nearly 50 years as an active member of the Lions Club, holding every Windsor club position at some point as well as District Treasurer. He was Lion of the Year and Melvyn Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services. He received the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award for outstanding community service.  Area businesses will no doubt recall the many years he and a fellow Lion visited them seeking prize donations for the annual Lions golf tournament.

He enjoyed working outdoors, fishing, chatting with friends over a beer, attending his high school reunion group’s frequent get-togethers, and traveling wherever his daughters happened to be in the US and Europe. Ireland was a favorite, where he spent contented hours listening to live traditional music at Matt Molloy’s in Westport. He appreciated sports at all levels, whether attending Duke college basketball practices with the Blue Devils club, taking bus trips to New York Yankees games, or watching high school football. He had a particular love for jazz music, going to see many of the greats such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie in his younger years with his brothers and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be offered on Thursday March 7, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Windsor.  Burial will be in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton at a later date.  The family will receive friends  from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to Mass. Fellowship will follow. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Don’s memory to Windsor Human Development, the Windsor Lions Club or a charity of one’s choice. His family is grateful to his healthcare teams at Duke University Medical Center and Wilson and Lourdes hospitals.

Online condolences may be made at www.omaddenfh.com.

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