MAJ. DONALD THOMAS JOSEPH POOLE USAF (Ret.)

was called home on March 8, 2008, following valiant efforts to combat emphysema. He slipped peacefully away at Hospice Family Care in Tucson, a few days after a loving farewell visit with family and friends.

Don was born April 10, 1932, in the Bronx, N.Y. He grew up in Queens, graduated from St. John’s Prep and attended St. John’s University in Brooklyn before beginning his career in the U.S. Air Force. He proudly served his country from 1953-1973, retiring with the rank of Major.

Don met Jacquelyn Louise Dondineau while stationed at Ramey AFB in Puerto Rico. They were married on June 27, 1964, in Jackie’s hometown of Bennett, Wis. Almost 44 years of a love-filled marriage blessed them with four beautiful children and two wonderful granddaughters.

The Poole family lived in Fair Oaks, Calif. for 30 years where Don served in the military at Mather and McClellan AF Bases. He attended California State University and graduated with a BS degree in Journalism and History in 1976. Upon Jackie’s retirement, they moved to the farm where she was born and raised in Bennett, Wis., and the “Kid from Brooklyn” forged a special place in the hearts of everyone who was privileged to know him.

Don’s special interests included planting a family forest on their country acres and spending many enjoyable hours on his riding lawn mowers. He carved a six-hole golf course from a former hay field, waging war with the bamboo, sumac and blackberry bushes. He joined the Solon Springs Writing Group and entertained them weekly with his perspectives on country life and other subjects that sparked his Irish imagination. Don was active in his parish church at St. Pius X where he helped form a summer softball league. He was dubbed the League Commissioner, and affectionately known as “The Commish.” He was a member of the Gordon American Legion and the Military Officers Association.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Richard F. Poole and Mary Agnes (Rogers) Poole. He is survived by the avowed love of his life, wife Jackie; and children Jude Poole, Mary Poole, John Poole and Melissa Hempel who were sources of great joy and pride to him. Granddaughters Kristen Poole and Kaitlyn Hempel were his special delight and Nick Nichols a most treasured part of his family.

Don is also survived by his brother Richard Poole of Neptune, N.J.; sister Agnes Poole of Montgomery, N.Y.; plus nephews Richard Poole, Thomas Poole, William Poole, and nieces Elizabeth Naftaniel and Kathleen Gleason and their families.

Don was a faith-filled man who found the best in all he met. His gifts of wit and witticisms are a special part of his legacy.

Godspeed, dearest love, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

A memorial Mass for Don will be held on March 29, 2008, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Green Valley. He will be remembered at a memorial Mass at his home parish of St. Pius X in Solon Springs, Wis. on June 28 with interment following at the Bennett Cemetery. A memorial Mass will also be said in Bloomingburg, N.Y. at a date and time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Shrine of St. Jude, P.O. Box 4837, Chicago, IL 60680-4837 or a charity of your choice.