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Donald Marushak Obituary

Marushak, Donald R.Donald R. Marushak, 72, of Whitehall, PA passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at his home. Born in Allentown, PA, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Holubowsky) Marushak. He was the husband of 44 years to Bernadette R. (Ruggiero) Marushak. Donald was a graduate of Whitehall High School. He went on to further his education, earning a bachelor's degree in education from Kutztown University and then a master's degree in biology from the University of Michigan. He taught science at both Allen and Dieruff high schools for several years. At Dieruff, he founded the "Swamp Stompers", a club dedicated to biology, conservation, and wildlife study. He also started the school's environmental park and taught Dieruff's first environmental science class. In recognition of his mentorship of students at Dieruff, he was named Pennsylvania Science Teacher of the Year in 1968. In 1970, he was hired as Environmental Programs Coordinator by the City of Allentown and later served as the Superintendent of Parks for 20 years, before retiring in 1997. During his tenure as parks superintendent, Donald oversaw the development and expansion of numerous parks, such as Buck Boyle Park, Keck Park, Lehigh Parkway, Roosevelt Park, and Trout Creek Park. He was also involved in the acquisition of open space land at Lehigh Mountain and South Mountain. He worked closely with Phil and Muriel Berman on the installation of dozens of public art works and led the construction of the first Lights in the Parkway at Lehigh Parkway. After retiring from the parks department, Donald went to work for Mayfair in Allentown as the Executive Director from 1997 to 1999. He then worked as a consultant to Urban Research and Development Corporation in Bethlehem. He later returned to teaching, first at Whitehall High School and then at Lehigh Carbon Community College, where he taught biology for the past 10 years. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Whitehall and a former Lector, more recently attending Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Whitehall. An avid outdoorsman, Donald was a past Deputy Fish Warden for the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Survivors: Surviving along with his wife Bernadette, a son - Adam Marushak of Pittsburgh, PA - as well as an aunt and several cousins. Services: A public memorial service will be planned and announced in the near future. Committal will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Schisler Funeral Home, 2119 Washington Ave. Northampton, PA. 18067. Contributions: Contributions: May be made to: Wildlands Conservancy C/O the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered to the family at: www.schislerfuneralhomes.com.

Published by Morning Call on Mar. 21, 2014.
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Dear Bernie, When I heard of Don's passing, I felt so bad for you and your son. You were so close to each other! I'm so glad you have fond memories of your years together. I've read the other people's comments and noted that besides his total dedication, his humor seems to have been his salient feature. You were both so blessed to have each other and your dear Adam. Bob and I send our condolences from Georgia where we have been residing for almost 2 years. Prayers and good thoughts your way. Fondly, Peggy Filipovits

peggy filipovits

April 23, 2014

Thank you all so much for sharing your memories with us. It is wonderful to hear of the impact that Don had on people's lives. He would be truly proud to be remembered in this way.

We invite you all to join us at a public memorial service to be held on Saturday April 26, 2014 at 11:00AM in Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 4102 S. Church St., Whitehall (Egypt), PA.

Adam and Bernadette Marushak

April 20, 2014

All these memories are a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. Don touched all our lives so richly and he will be missed.His legacy lives on in all the great things he accomplished and in all those he taught and mentored.
Our heartfelt sympathy and love to you, Bernadette and Adam.
The Johnson Family, Lancaster and York counties

April 9, 2014

Dear Bernie,
I'm sorry for your loss.You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Neff Gamble

April 4, 2014

I will fondly remember all our adventures we had together, sea duck hunting in Md., snow geese in NJ and salmon fishing in NY. It was always a blast ! May he rest in peace and always have a fish on the end of his line and birds is his sights. A great man and mentor !

Kevin Klingborg

March 31, 2014

Great man, great teacher, and ahead of his time. Rest In Peace, "M".

Gary Clauss

March 28, 2014

to the Family - I am sorry to hear of the loss of Don. As both of my parents were science teacher in the Allentown school district, and campers at heart, Don enriched our lives. May you find comfort from friends and family during this difficult time.

Valerie Hayes

March 28, 2014

Bernadette,
So very sorry to hear about the physical death of Don. I worked with him at Mayfair and always found him to be a passionate, compassionate man. My thoughts and prayers go with you and your family as you cope with this most difficult time.

Carol Lindner

March 26, 2014

My prayers and sincere condolences to the Marushak family. I was very saddened to hear of Don's passing. It was an honor having had the opportunity to work with Don at The City of Allentown. I will always remember his passion for the Allentown Parks system and the environment. Don led by example and shared with his heart which made a huge positive impact in the lives of so many. Don will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in Peace Don.

Angela Marino

March 25, 2014

My sincerest condolences to the Marushak family. I have many great memories of Don from when I used to do landscaping for him. He taught so many things that have stuck with me to this day. May peace be with Don and his family.

Sincerely,
John M Fasolka Jr.

John Fasolka

March 25, 2014

Bernadette,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Don was respected and loved by everyone. He was so very supportive and helpful to both my father and myself. Will never forget him.
Tony Mazziotta

March 24, 2014

Sorry to hear of your loss I had been one of his Swamp Stompers I remember him taking us often bird watching he was a caring man

Melody Piccirilli

March 24, 2014

Marushak family:

The Dieruff High School Alumni Association offers our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your husband and father.

May memories comfort you in your time of sorrow. We posted an announcement of his passing on the homepage of our free, locally managed, all-year alumni website. On our website we include faculty profiles -we will update his information.

In our alumni questionnaire, we asked "Who was your favorite teacher?" - many students listed Mr. Marushak.

Take comfort in knowing how well respected he was as an educator.

In sympathy and in friendship.

Dieruff Alumni Association
Executive Board
www.dieruff-alumni.org

Kay Kurtz Vogel

March 24, 2014

Dear Bernadette and Adam:
I am very sorry to learn of Don's passing. The man has made so many contributions in his life. A great friend, an intelligent individual, very giving person. I feel very blessed that I got to spend time with Don. There was never a dull moment with him. RIP my friend.

Barry Weiner

March 24, 2014

It was with a heavy heart that I read of Donald's passing. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family. I was lucky enough to have met Donald during his recent stay in the hospital. From the first night, I knew that Donald was a special person. He had a wonderful sense of humor despite his condition and we bonded over our love of chocolate sweets. I wish that I had met Donald in different circumstances.

Kara L R.N, B.S.N.

Kara L

March 23, 2014

Dear Adam and Bernadette,

I was so sorry to hear about your loss. I was Adam's first grade teacher at Moravian Academy. I so enjoyed teaching him and watching him grow and bloom in first grade. He always had incredible perception and memory. I also greatly enjoyed my conversations and interactions with his parents throughout the year. I often read newspaper articles about Don's work and heard stories about his adventures from my friend Don Heintzelman. I always admired Donald Marushak's accomplishments.

I retired two years ago from Moravian Academy after 43 years of teaching. I am living in Kutztown and savoring my leisure time.

My thoughts, prayers, and love are with you at this difficult time.

Fondly, Joyce Gilmore

Joyce Gilmore

March 23, 2014

Bernadette and Adam,

I know I shared this little note of remembrance with you directly, but I thought it worthwhile to make it more public for his friends and for those who may not know the Don Marushak I have known for over 40 years as a teacher, a mentor, a colleague, and most importantly as a friend. Don was a significant public figure in Allentown - Parks Director for 20 years, Mayfair Director for 2 years and a dedicated conservationist, environmentalist and teacher.

If someone asked me to describe Don Marushak, I would start by saying he was an educator, not only at the beginning of his professional life but also at the end of it, and in some respects all through the twists and turns of his distinguished career. He started as a high school science teacher, almost 50 years ago - achieving the great honor of "Pennsylvania High School Science Teacher of the Year" in 1968.

Don then took his love of nature, wildlife, conservation and the environment with him to become the City of Allentown's first Environmental Programs Coordinator - at a time when environmental programs were in their infancy. Today, those programs are taken for granted, they are a given in a world that clearly needs more environmental sensitivity.

Next he became the steward of one of the region's great environmental treasures, the City of Allentown's park system, an honor and a privilege that he both cherished and was humbled by. General Harry C. Trexler is a tough act to follow, but Don did his job well and I think the General would be proud.

All through his career as both an educator, administrator, planner and environmentalist, he continued to maintain his family's long standing connection with the earth in the most visceral way - he was a farmer and a hunter and fisherman. These things defined him and shaped him and were an important part of his life.

If you look at where he grew up and how he grew up it was as if he was being groomed for the jobs ahead of him. Even his choice to become a science teacher, was part of a life plan, a plan that Don would probably deny, but that was so clear to his friends and his colleagues. I think he said it best when he described some life lessons he learned from a mutual friend and mentor, Phil Berman.
.
Don said, "If you're going to get something done, you're going to need an agenda. If you play a low profile, and you lowball everything, life is not too complicated. But if you're going to be out front and on point, don't be surprised when the javelin comes your way. What Phil (and Muriel) taught me is: You've got to wear armor and have Teflon skin."

Yeah, that was Don. Nothing low profile about him. Complicated, out front, on-point, and the skin of a Rhino. But he was my friend and most of all my teacher in so many ways. But I'm not going to miss him, because his legacy is all around me in Allentown and in some respects I won't ever be able to forget him. Rest in peace my friend.

Tony Hanna

March 22, 2014

Bernadette -

Please accept my deepest sympathies and prayers for the loss of Don.

From 1974 through 1978 I was the Director of the Department of Community Development of the City of Allentown. One of the Bureaus under my responsibilities was the Parks System. When I left the City of Allentown I was asked by the local newspaper what I believed was my greatest accomplishment. The answer to that question was quite easy to give. It was the appointment of Don as the leader of the City's greatest asset - the Parks System.

The programs he developed and implemented made the beloved Parks System second to none.

Over the thirty years after I left Allentown I held several management position is Philadelphia and New York City. Without a doubt Don was the most capable and accomplished person who ever worked for me.

I am grateful to have met and worked with Don and to have been his friend.

Jack Peek

March 22, 2014

Dear Bernadette and Adam:
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Don. Don did so much in his lifetime and was so liked and respected. It is sad to realize he is gone.him and I had many a conversations and good laughs. I feel very honored that our paths crossed one another.he will always be remembered. RIP good friend!

March 22, 2014

My sympathies and prayers to the family of Mr. Marushak. I believe he succeeded my grandfather, George J. Laubach, after he passed away in 1972, as Superintendent of the Allentown Parks Department. May the memories of his good works in the Allentown School District, Parks Department, and personal life, bring peace and comfort to all who knew and loved him.

Valerie Laubach-Snyder

March 22, 2014

Thank you for being such a great teacher.I will miss your down to earth style of getting your knowledge into our brain. It worked!!
RIP

Sharon Fraser

March 21, 2014

Don Marushak was one of the nicest men I ever met. He was truly a very kind gentleman who made a huge positive impact in the lives of so many high school and college students. In addition, he created a park system in Allentown that was known throughout the country as one of the best. I had the honor and privilege to work with Don both at City Hall in the 1970's and also for many recent years at Lehigh Carbon Community College. I was shocked to just now find out about his passing.

I will really miss laughing with Don in the halls at LCCC, but I will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.

With deepest sympathy,

Donna Gray Kulik

March 21, 2014

Dear Bernadetta and Adam
Our deepest and most sincere sympathies on the loss of your husband and and father.Don's friendship has always been very special to Brian and I .Don being a part of our wedding meant so much to us both and also Don always being there for both of us when we needed someone.Don always took the time out to help everyone.Even when Megan and Will both had a leaf report due,we asked Don if he could help our children and he said, yes come on over.The children would pick the leaves and Don would tell them what their names were and both children got a A on their report.Don was always there for Brian and had a heart so big,we will miss him so much,but will hold on to all the good memories .Bernadetta if there is anything you or Adam may need ,we are just a phone call away.God Bless you both.Brian and Cindy Holobusky.

Brian and Cindy Holobusky

March 21, 2014

Sorry to hear of Mr. Marushak's passing. I had him for biology at LCCC. He was such a lovely person.

Pamela Diaz

March 21, 2014

Mr. Marushak was one of the best teachers that I have ever had. He shaped my life, my interests and nutured them. My love of science, especially ecology are in the large part due to his influence. An original "Swamp Stomper".

Chip Korpics

March 21, 2014

Don you will be missed by many here at LCCC. You were one of the kindest, friendliest professor's I worked with here. While I hadn't seen you often since leaving the Donley Center, I still considered you a great colleague. I was deeply saddened today when I saw your obit at work. I had no idea you were sick. God Bless your family and rest in peace my friend.

Jane Wilchak

March 21, 2014

I will never forget your smile that lit up the classroom when you walked in. You never missed a day of class till the final exam. You truly were the biggest inspiration to never give up or lose hope and I thank you for that. You told me that I could amount to anything, you were the biggest mentor I could ask for. I know your looking down over all your classmates but most of all your loving wife and son. Thank you for giving me the best biology semester, my first and your last. RIP Mr. M.
LCCC 2013

Cassandra Palmieri

March 21, 2014

Willard and I I are very saddened to hear of Dons passing...To us he will always be lovingly remembered as Moose. Willard always talks fondly of his trip to Yellowstone w/ "MOOSE" back in 1963.

Janet and Will Peifley

March 21, 2014

I first met Don when I was a student (WAHS class of 1964) and Don was doing his student teaching. Don was very rigorous as a teacher, yet still approachable. That was so important to me with my being a female and having a great interest in science and math. I then saw Don frequently at LCCC where I taught physics for 42 years. Don would make me laugh and also make me think with tidbits of info he shared with me and questions he asked of me. Don will be missed. He was a thoughtful and highly energetic individual. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.

Diane McDemus

March 21, 2014

MARUSHAK FAMILY
DEEPEST SYMPATHIES IN YOUR LOSS. HE WAS MY FAVORITE TEACHER AT DIERUFF HIGH FOR TWO YEARS (69/70) I HAD HIM FOR COLLEGE PREP BIOLOGY. WHAT A GREAT PERSON STILL SMILE WHEN I TALK ABOUT THOSE YEARS KEEP YOUR MEMORIES IN YOUR HEART

MARIE KOCHANASZ-REPKO

March 21, 2014

Don was total class and a great advocate for Allentown. He will be sorely missed. It was an honor having had the opportunity to work with Don.

Joe McDonald

March 21, 2014

I knew Mr. Marushak for just shy of forty years. He was a "boss" from 1974-1979; an environmental partner from 1979-1992; and a friend and adviser ever since. As complete as his notice was; it still left out a tremendous amount of good works he did particularly for the City of Allentown 1970-1997. Allentown has changed so much that the true heroes of that time period get reduced in stature in the media and among current City and other officials. But anyone who had the privilege to know and be influenced by this man saw their own lives, and their own abilities to contribute to Allentown, enriched as a result. Everyone who knew him can still honor him every day; for you are all good people too. I will never forget him.

Joe Hoffman

March 21, 2014

Don Marushak was a treasure to the City of Allentown. We owe alot to this man who lovingly developed and cared for our park system. Thank you, Don for all you did to make sure citizens were able to enjoy nature in beautiful surroundings. Allentown's parks will be your legacy. Condolences to his family and friends.
Chris Bauder

March 21, 2014

Bernadette & Adam --

My deepest and most sincere sympathies on your loss of Don -- he was a brilliant gentleman, in all phases of life, and always kind and thoughtful. As you know, I had the pleasure of working with Don, in the Allentown Parks System, for many years and have many fond memories of him and his accomplishments. He spoke of your both so often, with love and affection, and I am sure his memories will be with you both always.

Janet J. Morthimer

Janet J. Morthimer

March 21, 2014

Don led by example and shared with his heart- you will be missed by myself and friends of the Little Lehigh Creek

March 21, 2014

My prayers and condolences to the Marushak family. I remember Mr. Marushak well. He was one of the best teachers I had at Dieruff High School class of 1968. I had Mr. Marushak for Chemistry. No other teacher was more dedicated, understanding and patient than he. He has been thought of over the years. When I would speak of my high school years, his name would always come up. He was the best. God Bless and many prayers.

Judith Dorward Hancharik
Dieruff Class of 1968
Emmaus, PA

March 21, 2014

Mr. Marushak was my biology teacher at Allen High School and one of the nicest men and teachers one could have.
Janice M. Biscoe

March 21, 2014

My prayers to Bernadette and Adam. I was a classmate of Don's and thought I knew of his accomplishments. I was amazed as to what all he did accomplish. Reading Don's obit was very heartfelt. RIP Don.

Henry Kolb

March 21, 2014

Don was a great mentor and friend who was always there for me. He will be truly missed. Peace be with his family.
Scott J. Cope

March 21, 2014

My condolences to the Marushak family. Don was a great person.

Steve Turoscy

March 21, 2014

I'll always remember Mr. Marushak as my 12th grade Physics teacher at William Allen High School 1963-1964.He made learning so much fun in class. All of us that had you as a teacher will miss you.

Anthony Lenhart
William Allen class of 1964

Anthony Lenhart

March 21, 2014

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