Donald E. "River Rider" Messner

Donald E. "River Rider" Messner obituary

Donald E. "River Rider" Messner

Donald Messner Obituary

Published by John F Givnish Funeral Home - Academy Rd on Aug. 8, 2017.
Donald E. "River Rider" Messner passed away on August 8, 2017 at the age of 70. Loving father of William Messner and step-father of Vu Nguyen and Son Nguyen; dear brother of Margaret Finchen and Peggy Torpey. Also survived by his 4 grandchildren. Don proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War. He retired from U.S. Steel and was a member of Warriors' Watch Riders. Relatives and friends are invited to Don's Life Celebration Sunday, August 13th, beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by his Funeral Service, 4:00 p.m., at John F. Givnish Funeral Home, 10975 Academy Rd., Phila. A committal service will take place on Wednesday, August 16th, at 10:00 a.m. at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd., Newtown, PA. The funeral procession will be leaving from John F. Givnish Funeral Home on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. 1-877-GIVNISH

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August 15, 2017

Bob & Karen Crawford posted to the memorial.

August 15, 2017

Pete Flowers posted to the memorial.

August 13, 2017

Min Bae posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Bob & Karen Crawford

August 15, 2017

My deepest condolences go out to Don's family & friends. Sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

Pete Flowers

August 15, 2017

Rest In Peace Brother, you will never be Forgotten.

Min Bae

August 13, 2017

Sorry for your loss. I wish I could've been there today for you.

Dan "Meatball" Rutz

August 13, 2017

I had the honor of knowing Don,and no matter what I write here, it won't let you know the true magnitude of who Don was...They say it's not how a person dies, but how they lived.... Well, I think both hold true with Don..
He lived with passion and thoughts of others first. He died pridefully (stubbornly) and again, with thinking of others first. Don was a "tail-gunner" riding with Warriors' Watch Riders. And he would always have our backs.

Don, you will be missed!

To Kurt,family and friends of this hero,..my sincere condolences.

Don, I'll pull tail-gunner escorting you home brother... R.I.P

Captain (Dr.) Matt Boben, US Army (Ret.)

August 13, 2017

I had the honor of taking care of Don many times at the Crescenz VA Medical Center over the past 12 years. Don was more than a patient. He was my friend. I loved to catch up with him whenever he was in the building, even if he was not officially on my caseload at the time. He cared deeply about his brothers- and sisters-in-arms. When he found out I was going on active duty from my reserve unit a few years back, he was insistent on arranging a motorcade for me when I came home! I had to politely (and diligently, as Don was very persistent!) decline his offer. But that was Don. No matter how he was feeling, even when he was very ill, he was always more concerned about the other guys he knew I was taking care of, and concerned about me. He had a huge, huge heart. Every time we saw him in the Rehab Department, he made people happier. The entire Rehab Department, myself included, loved him. We will miss him dearly and his memory will spur us on every day to live up to Don's regard for us. My deepest condolences to the Messner family. Thank You for sharing Don with us. Rest Easy Trooper.

NORMAN SAVLOFF

August 12, 2017

HI DON; THIS IS YOUR BUDDY NORM THAT YOU SAT NEXT TO FOR THE PAST YEAR AT DIALYSIS. I AM GOING TO MISS YOU TERRIBLY. GOD BLESS AND REST IN PEACE.

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John F Givnish Funeral Home - Academy Rd

10975 Academy Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154

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Sign Donald Messner's Guest Book

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August 15, 2017

Bob & Karen Crawford posted to the memorial.

August 15, 2017

Pete Flowers posted to the memorial.

August 13, 2017

Min Bae posted to the memorial.