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Donald Van Niel
1934 - 2025
BORN
1934
DIED
2025
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Donald Van Niel Obituary
January 14, 1934 - October 14, 2025
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Don R. Van Niel, born January 14,1934 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was raised in the near West Side of Cleveland, in the area now known as Ohio City. He graduated from West Technical High School in June,1952. Entering the Army in November, 1954, he completed basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and served in the Signal Corp at Fort Monmouth, NJ and White Sands Proving Grounds in Las Cruses, New Mexico.
He graduated from Baldwin Wallace College, Berea, Ohio in June,1974. He was the first of a large family to graduate from college.
He worked for AT&T Longlines and Network Services for 31 years in various Management positions in Network Operations, Data services and Marketing. He retired in December, 1988.
He and his wife, Lauri McElhone Van Niel, relocated from Akron, Ohio to Hilton Head in 1994. Don was an active member of The Country Club of Hilton Head, serving on various committees. He served as Chairman of the Board in the early 2000's.
Don is survived by his wife, Lauri, of 40+ years, son Todd (Patty) of Cleveland, Ohio, grandson, Alex, of Columbus, Ohio, daughter, Joy, of Salem, Connecticut, and son, Trace, from Newark, Ohio. In addition, he leaves behind Brother-in-law, Britt McElhone, nephews Brad (Jenna) and Bruce (Jamie) and their children, Colin, Kaylee and Brynlee, all of Fort Myers, Florida.
Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass, Friday, October 24, 10:00 AM at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, Hilton Head Island,
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hilton Head Humane Society.
GOD BLESS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. www.Keithfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Donald Van Niel
Funeral services provided by:
Keith Funeral & Cremation Services - Hilton Head63 Arrow Rd., Hilton Head, SC 29928
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Van Niel
1 Entry
Ronald Morice
October 16, 2025
It was a pleasure to work for him and his wife as Pool technician for around (10) years; I feel deeply sorry for his loss; he was a wonderful man (like my friend); always in my heart; blessings
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