DONALD MCKAY

Donald E. McKay

Age 84 of Kennett Square, PA passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2006, at the Friends Home in Kennett Square.

He was the husband of the late Edith Buxton McKay, who passed away in 2001 and with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Born in Colora, MD, he was the youngest child of the late William and Mary Woods McKay. The family moved to Kennett Square in 1927 to a home on Center Street which he occupied until moving to the Friends Home in November of 2005. He was a 1939 graduate of Kennett High School. Donald worked as a grocer in Kennett Square beginning as an employee of Magnolia Grocery which he later purchased. Subsequently he was part owner of the Kennett Thriftway until his retirement in 1982. He served in the Pacific Theatre in World War II and fought in New Guinea, Northern Solomons and Guadalcanal. He was wounded and received the Purple Heart for his service in the liberation of the Philippines. He was a lifetime member of the Swayne, Campbell, Testa, VFW Post #5467 and was a lifetime member and past Commander in the 1960s of the American Legion, William W. Fahey Post #491 in Kennett Square. Donald was a well known left handed pitcher in high school and in various baseball leagues in the local area even being a professional prospect until the War intervened. Following his service, he spent many hours coaching young players up to the American Legion level. He was one of the founders of the Kennett Area Oldtimers Baseball Association. Donald always was involved in doing for others. He ran countless bus trips to the Phillies, Cooperstown, Atlantic City, etc., for the benefit of the Oldtimers Baseball Association, Kennett Fire Company, Union Fire Company of Oxford and other organizations. He was constantly selling tickets to support many other community activities and groups. In 1986, Donald was honored as the Citizen of the Year by the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by his nephew, Raymond L. McKay and his wife, Mary, of Pocopson, PA. He was predeceased by 4 brothers; and 2 sisters.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, January 16, 2006, at the KUZO & GREICO FUNERAL HOME, 250 W. State St., Kennett Square. Friends may call on Sunday evening, January 15, 2006, from 6-8 PM and on Monday morning from 10-11 am at the funeral home. Interment will be in Longwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kennett Oldtimers Baseball Association, c/o Bob Burton, 105 W. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348; or to the Kennett Fire Company No. 1, 301 Dalmatian St., Kennett Square, PA 19348.

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www.griecofuneralhomes.com

610-444-4116