Donald F. Grone

Don closed his eyes forever while sitting in a chair on the deck at home, enjoying the sunshine and a scotch, waiting to be called for dinner. A resident of Sebastopol for 45 years, Don was born and raised in Monterey, CA. Before graduation from High School, he enlisted in the U.S Coast Guard in February 1942 and was discharged after World War II ended. He then obtained his Seaman's Papers and sailed on American President Lines' ships (mostly on the Round-The-World run) and went from a Jr. 3rd Mate status, ending his eight year seagoing career with a Master's License. He returned to college and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. He married in 1956 and went to work at U.S. Steel (Engineering Dept.) in Pittsburg, CA for five years. He changed his place of employment and went to work for General Electrical (Medical Systems Div.) and retired after 25 years. He loved fishing, hunting, gardening, making "gadgets" and telling (to those interested) "Sea Stories". He was a 60 year member of Monterey Lodge #217 F & AM. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Anna Marie Grone (nee Sylvester); daughter, Kimberly Ann Grone-Schwartz and her husband William ("Bill") Schwartz; son, William (Billy) Grone; grandson, William (Willie) Schwartz; granddaughter, Melody Marie Lee Schwartz, all of whom will miss him greatly. At Don's request, no services were held and only immediate family members were present at his inurnment, which is in the Veteran's Section at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary. Donation's may be made in Don's name to the charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of: PLEASANT HILLS MEMORIAL PARK & MORTUARY, Sebastopol. Cheda & Lyons - Directors (707) 823-5042.