Donald R. Pease, 89, after a lengthy and brave battle to live, passed away on April 4, 2020. He entered this world on February 11, 1931, as the oldest of five children of Antoinetta Vittoria Giuseppina (DalPian) and Donald Weir Pease in Rockville, Connecticut.
As a child, he lived with his family in Rockville and Ellington, Connecticut. He voluntarily worked, even as a young boy, because he "wanted more from life." While in high school, he studied under his father who owned an Automotive Shop and Garage. Donald graduated from Rockville High School where he played varsity sports. After high school he enlisted and served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Radioman, stationed both domestically and overseas, where he would eventually meet his future wife, Frances M. Turner of Springvale Maine, in Washington, D.C.
After his military service, his education continued at the University of Detroit, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and welcomed his first three children. He worked thirty-five years for Westinghouse Electric Corporation/Siemens in increasing levels of management at locations in Pittsburgh and Lester, Pennsylvania, where his next four children were born, Charlotte, North Carolina and Orlando, Florida, before retiring. Always driven, he accepted the position of Vice-President of Manufacturing, for Major Tool and Machine in Indianapolis, Indiana and later served on their Board of Directors.
Donald loved life, along with all the challenges, opportunities, and interests that it provided him. He was an intelligent, multi-talented, and successful man, strong in strength and in faith, devoted husband, and the hardest working man his family ever knew. He amazed us with his "thinking outside the box" in all aspects of life. In addition to his family, several of his passions were spending time traveling, gardening, sunrises and sunsets, woodworking and making furniture, working on his antique car, being poolside, leading us on his infamous walks, and was an avid collector of Department 56 lighted house villages.
Donald enjoyed traveling to numerous locations in Europe and surprised his entire family with cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. Over the years, he found Maui, Hawaii to be one of his favorite places to enjoy extended visits with his wife and family members. His unbelievable village layout grew over the years and gave him and visitors much pleasure to view. He was an enthusiastic New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan. His pleasures paled in comparison to the love he always had for his wife, seven children, thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. If you asked Donald, his greatest accomplishment… it was not his career, though accomplished and a great provider, it was "being a Father."
Donald is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Frances M. Pease, of Winter Springs, FL. His siblings: Dolores A. (Pease) Berman and her husband, Donald (predeceased) of Crystal Lake, IL; James A. Pease and his wife, Susan, of Livonia, MI; Janet M. (Pease) Schmitz of Waukesha, WI; and David W. Pease and his wife, Jeri Lynn, of South Lyon, MI.
He is also survived by his children: Michael R. Pease and his wife, Janay, of West Chester, PA; Steven A. Pease and his wife, Sue, of Clermont, FL; Gregory S. Pease (predeceased) and his wife, Marcy, of Linwood, NJ; Susan A. Pease of Winter Springs, FL; Lori L. Finnegan and her husband, John, of Orlando, FL; Mark T. Pease and his wife, Joanne, of Tallahassee, FL; Timothy R. Pease and his wife, Deborah, of Chuluota, FL; and honorary son, Bryan Yopp of Kissimmee, FL.
In addition, he is survived by thirteen grandchildren: Jessica (Pease) Bell and her husband, Dr. Michael (PA); Dr. Jason Pease and his wife, Susie (GA); Abigail Pease (NJ), Jacob Pease (NJ); Heather Finnegan (FL), Hunter Finnegan (MI), Sarah Finnegan (FL), Samantha Finnegan (FL), and Alexander Finnegan (FL); Tyler Pease (FL), Brandon Pease (FL); Kaitlyn Pease (FL) and Ryan Pease (FL).
In addition, he is survived by four great-grandchildren: Aidan Bell (PA), Alexia Bell (PA); Lincoln Pease (GA) and Colton Pease (GA).
We will all go through life, honored to have had him as our Father. He had lifelong friendships with many and was well respected both in the business world and in private life. He has been described as a gentleman, great Husband, Father, and Friend. His patience and strong faith carried him well his entire life. His leadership and life lessons, taught by example, will carry us throughout the rest of our lives.
Most will say "Rest in Peace" but we know he will not rest.
Enjoy the new challenges Dad that God has planned… We will not say goodbye but "until we meet again."
Visitation: May 28th at 6-8 p.m.
DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory - Maitland Chapel
9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751
Mass: May 29th at 9:30 a.m.
St. Stephen Catholic Church,
575 Tuskawilla Road,
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Interment: Private
Location is at the new Queen of Angels Catholic Cemetery in Winter Park, FL
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to:
Go To Them Ministries School, Fort Portal, Uganda
https://paypal.me/pools/campaign/113020814560741334