Donald A. Baron

Baron, Donald A. COLONIE Donald (Don) Baron, 84, passed away on October 18, 2008 after a brief illness. Born in Winooski, Vt., he was the son of Arthur Baron and Artheline Chastenay. Don served his country in World War II with the 101st Airborne Division, and was a recipient of the Purple Heart as a result of injuries suffered during Operation Market Garden in 1944. He met the love of his life, Mary Lou, on a blind date in 1946. After a three-year courtship, they were married and had been together for a blissful 59 years. After World War II, Don continued his service as a parachute rigger at Fort Ethan Allen Air Force Base in Colchester, Vt. He then opened Don's News Stand in Winooski. In 1953, Don sold the newsstand and relocated with his young family to Albany, N.Y. to attend Albany Business College. He was an employee of Key Bank for 33 years, retiring in 1987. Don was a generous blood donor, giving at every opportunity he could and was publicly recognized on numerous occasions for his donations. He enjoyed traveling and was an avid sports fan. While in the service, Don played on the 101st Airborne, 506th regiment basketball team, and boxed. Don loved to follow the Boston Red Sox, RPI Hockey, and Notre Dame football. A devoted family man, he also coached his sons' little league baseball teams for many years. He was adored by his grandchildren, who with his great sense of humor, he often incited to mischievous deeds. Don is survived by his wife, Lou; four children, Christopher (partner Cathy), Jonathan (Betsy), Rebecca (Ray Iveson), and Matthew (Deborah); nine grandchildren, Madalyn, Tara, Kennedy, Tyler, Zachary, Nick, Eric, Luke and Amanda; and his sister, Anita Mayo. The family would like to thank the staff of Stratton Veterans Hospital for their extraordinary and thoughtful care during Don's last days. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday morning at 9:00 at St. Clare's Church, 1947 Central Ave., Colonie. Interment will follow in Saratoga National VA Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to STRIDE Wounded Warriors Project at STRIDE, Inc., PO Box 778, Rensselaer, NY 12144, or St. Clare's Building Fund, 1947 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205 would be appreciated. To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewcomerAlbany.com