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Donald Degnan Obituary
Don was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars; he spent nearly 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and Reserves, enlisting in 1953, then earning a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1955. As a navigator he logged over 3,000 flying hours, including flights into Vietnam in support of our country's efforts.
Don was born on Sept. 30, 1930, in the Bronx, N.Y., to John T. and Florence Schoonmaker Degnan (both deceased). He earned a B.A. from Yale University in 1961, and an M.B.A. from Adelphi University in 1965. He enjoyed a 20-year-career as a financial analyst for IBM in New York.
Don was a member of the Elks, a dedicated literacy volunteer and a leader in the River Bend community. His passion was use of the written word to share his iconoclastic point of view with those who would listen. His voice will be missed.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years Diane Hazen Degnan; his daughter Denise M. Clemons and her husband Jack of Lewes, Del.; his son David H. Degnan and his wife Lee of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., his son Donald H. Degnan and his wife Jessie of Glassboro, N.J.; and by seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers John T. Degnan, Jr. and his wife Julie of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Allen H. Degnan and his wife Collette of Bonita Bay, Fla. He was preceded in death by his sister Alice Daley of New York, N.Y., and his brother Her-bert R. Degnan of River Bend. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at Cotten Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Donald's memory to the Craven Literacy Council, 2002 S. Glenburnie Rd., Suite 2B, New Bern, NC 28562.
Cotten Funeral Home is serving the Degnan family.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Degnan
The Gutmann Family
April 5, 2009
To the Degnan family,
May the love of friends and family carry you through your time of grief.
Fran Hilal
April 4, 2009
Our hearts are with you all We are sorry cant be with you now but we will see you in June Don was a fine man and a faithful husband and father He was a God send to us when we were in need Love Fran and all the family
Rena Espinosa
April 1, 2009
I wish you and your family all the comfort that you can bring to each other at this very sorrowful time.
I am very glad to have met and worked with Don over the course of the past years as we both represented our Quarterdeck Associations.
April 1, 2009
To the Degnan Family,
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Remember the good times to get you through. Good friends will always be there for you.
Your Friend Joe Sharron
April 1, 2009
To the family,
Sorry to hear about your loss. May you friends and family comfort you in your hour of need.
Charles & Jean Schappach
April 1, 2009
TO THE DEGNAN FAMILY,
MAY YOUR MEMORIES BE COMFORTING TO YOU IN THE DAYS TO COME. CARING FRIENDS AND FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ALL OF YOU.
YOUR FRIENDS
MRS. VANHOUTEN, WENDY GAGLIARDI & THE BOYS
March 31, 2009
TO THE FAMILY,
OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU. THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE IS HARD TO BEAR. WE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU.
YOUR FRIENDS,
CHARLIE & DIANE
Laura Cromwell
March 31, 2009
Degnans,
Sending many thoughts and prayers to you and your family, David. Love and support await you at home.
Safe travel,
The Cromwell Family
March 30, 2009
Jack and Denise,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jack Ballard
Andy Patrichuk
March 30, 2009
Denise,
Lucille and I are sorry for loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Lee and Jane Gottlieb
March 30, 2009
Diane,
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. We are here for you at any time.
Amy & Mike Upton
March 30, 2009
Diane,
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything that we can do for you, you know we are just right down the road - don't hesitate to ask!
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