Donald R. Whitehead

Donald R. Whitehead

Age: 81

Date of Death: October 6, 2024

North Huntingdon, PA

Donald was born in Braddock, PA, and he grew up in North Huntingdon with his sister, Ruth Raible. Donald graduated from the Norwin High School and soon after the U.S. Army requested his service where he served as an Army Medical Specialist. Donald worked at the Union Railroad until the railroad closed. Donald and Dorothy then opened and managed a successful personal care facility. Donald is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Whitehead). Donald reared three children, Deborah (Layman), Larry Whitehead and Donna (McLean). Donald was blessed with five grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and a great-great granddaughter.

Donald shared his passion for antique and race cars with his children and grandchildren by treating them to car shows and spending afternoons at racetracks and demolition derbies. Donald loved spending time joking, playing with, and teaching his grandchildren. When Donald spent time with his oldest grandsons their days together usually resulted in Donald driving them to a convenience store in “Cleveland” to buy hotdogs; however, “Cleveland” was the closest store to sell hotdogs. Needless to say the boys were confused about the location of Cleveland…closest store to sell hotdogs, causing the boys some confusion as to the true location of Cleveland.

Donald loved family gatherings and family outings as well as individual bonding moments. The family has many fond memories of family reunions, vacations and camping excursions.

Donald was not fond of hunting or firearms yet when Larry was a teenager, he bought Larry a hunting rifle and took him hunting on opening day of deer. This is just one example of Donald’s selfless nature and his willingness to help others realize their wishes. Donald performed similar acts of kindness with every member of his family and his friends.

Donald enjoyed relaxing in an easy chair with his dog(s) sleeping on his lap. The family adopted a chihuahua mix that suffered from previous trauma, and Donald named the dog Ewok. Ewok immediately bonded with Donald and followed Donald everywhere like his shadow. All the family pets formed a special bond with Donald because of the kindness and love he bestowed upon them.

Donald was known for his keen awareness of locating bargains. To his children’s embarrassment Donald would enter a store and after a few minutes of shopping he would ask to speak with a manager. Donald would ask the manager if the person who made the “sale” signs was ill because nothing in the store was advertised as a sale item! Most of Donald’s shopping was not for him but for his family and friends. Donald constantly placed the interests of others before his own. When local stores offered sale prices on a limited quantity of chipped ham Donald employed his children to assist him with what he called the “chipped ham game.” Donald would take multiple tickets from the deli counter and give a numbered ticket to each of his children. Donald and each child would take turns ordering the maximum quantity of chipped ham and then individually pay at the checkout. Donald enjoyed his chipped ham, mayonnaise and tomato sandwiches.

Donald’s main passion was being a faithful servant of God. Donald guided his children in God’s teachings and encouraged his family and friends to follow God’s plan. Donald was not all talk; he set an example when traveled to South Dakota with missionaries to build residences, churches and schools for Native Americans.

A private Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at Christian Church Center. The family asks if anyone is so moved, donations can be made in Donald’s memory to the American Heart Association in accordance with Donald’s wishes.

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