Donald E. Fahey

Fahey, Donald Edward Born on August 27, 1919 in St. Louis, MO and baptized into the Hope of Christ's Resurrection on August 3, 2011 in St. Louis, MO. Dear husband of the late Anita Frances Fahey (nee Richter); dear father of Jane A. (Brian) McDonald of Albuquerque, NM., Richard F. (Sonia) Fahey of Los Altos, CA, Thomas M. (Rev. Kristine) of La Crosse, WI and David A. (Kay) Fahey of Reno, NV; dear grandfather of Kelly Anne Smith, Donald P. and Anders C. Fahey and Bridget Marie Fahey; dear great-grandfather of Connor B. Smith; dear son of the late William Francis and Catherine Fahey (nee Heffron); dear brother of the late William P. and Robert J. Fahey, Catherine H. Barnes, Dorothy E. Burns and recently Jean Eberle on January 26, 2010; our dear cousin and friend. Born the fourth of six children, Don grew up in the historic Parkview neighborhood of St. Louis. Frequently told not to sing in public by the sisters of St. Roch's parish school, Don nevertheless had a lifelong love for music. It never stopped him from singing out loud at Mass. Don attended St. Louis University High (class of 1937) and went on to attend St. Louis University majoring in Philosophy. Admitted to Harvard Law School in 1941 his graduation was delayed by the war. Don joined the Coast Guard and graduate from the academy as an ensign in 1943. His first assignment was to a submarine patrol ship in the Caribbean and that is where he fell in love with the sea. Later in the war he served on a sea-going tug in the Pacific, surviving two typhoons at sea. It was during one of these storms that his excellent navigational skills saved his ship and all the men aboard. Upon discharge he returned to Harvard Law School, married Anita Richter in June 1946 and graduated with his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1947. He continued serving his country in the Coast Guard reserves, attaining the rank of Captain before his retirement. Don started his legal career in the offices of his father, William F. Fahey. A man to be taken seriously, William tutored him in the workings of civil law including how to have a business lunch at the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC). Don continued the practice of having lunch at the club until his recent illnesses, particularly enjoying the company of his friends at the table on the fourth floor. Don later shared offices with Fred Switzer, Tom Tony, Bill Barnes, Glen Robbins and many others. Besides the practice of probate law, Don was on the board of directors for the Catherine Manley Gaylord Foundation. The foundation provides substantial grants to many St. Louis organizations including the James S. McDonnell USO, the St. Louis Navy League, St. Joseph's Hill Infirmary/Price Memorial, the Singer Institute and many other charitable groups in the St. Louis area. He served on the governing boards for many of these groups, joyfully donating his time and personal resources to their causes. When he was younger Don devoted many hours to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in St. Louis. That experience made him eager to help with the Mathews-Dickey Boy's and Girl's club starting in 1975 and continuing on to the present. Don was also on the organizing board of De Smet Jesuit High and became fast friends with many in the Jesuit community. Dad was an avid reader, loved a spirited debate and a good meal. We are grateful for his easy-going manner, quick wit and Irish charm. In the last few years we were blessed to have John Grass as a companion and friend to our father. He faithfully helped out like a son when we could not be there. We would like to thank A Companion Network for keeping dad active and comfortable in his last years. We appreciate all the work Dr. J William Campbell and his staff has done over the decades to keep our father healthy. Thank you, daddy for our educations. Thank you for your kindness. With you and Mom we were the four luckiest kids in the world. Services: Funeral Mass of Christian Burial celebrated on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 10 a.m. in St. Francis Xavier (College) Church, 3628 Lindell Blvd. (63108). The interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at HOFFMEISTER COLONIAL on Tues. from 4-7 p.m. Place memories and condolences at www.hoffmeistercolonial.com.