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Donald Traube Obituary
DONALD T. TRAUBE
AGE: 61 ORWIGSBURG, PA.
Donald T. Traube, 61, of Orwigsburg, Pa., died Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at Schuylkill Medical Center.
Born Nov. 18, 1947, in Bronx, N.Y., he was a son of June R. Slater Traube, of North Brunswick, and the late Philip J. Traube.
He was a graduate of South Brunswick High School and Wilkes College, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
He was the owner and operator of Balloon Delivery Service, Orwigsburg, Pa. In addition to his balloon delivery sales business, he also worked at Lowe's and Wal-Mart Distribution Centers.
He was raised in the Catholic faith and was very active in youth sports programs in the Pine Grove and Orwigsburg areas over the past years.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a seven-year-old sister, Patricia Traube.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife, Leslie Damore Traube, whom he married May 11, 1985; a son, Philip J. Traube of Pittsburgh, Pa.; brothers, Philip Traube and his wife, Kay, of Yakima, Wash., James Traube and his wife, Stacie, of Kendall Park and Tommy Traube and his wife, Rose, of Long Island, N.Y.; sisters, Kathy Neff of Dayton, June Tuskey and her husband, Tim, of Monmouth Junction and Barbara Traube of North Brunswick, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Religious services will be held at 11 am. Monday, Dec. 15, at Hamilton Funeral Home, 116 S. Liberty St., Orwigsburg, Pa., with Kevin Sylvester officiating. Family and friends are invited to call from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, or from 10 a.m. until the time of services Monday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Traube
Sponsored by Cousin Debi.
Debi Devigili
February 1, 2009
My sorrow is hard to put into words. I just saw Donald at Aunt Marion's funeral, and although there were many family and friends there, I remember Donald the most. I remember saying to myself "that guy doesn't age!" He looked so well and happy, and Leslie did, too. I have always admired their long-standing marriage. Donald always had this twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face.
You "Traubes" are part of my family, part of my childhood, and part of my most precious (and funny) memories!! I was so distraut to learn of Donald's death "too late." I want you all to know that I would have been there to express my deepest sympathy. I have a card here now for over a month for Aunt June and I just can't find the words to put in it. The tears just flow when I get ready to write. So please forgive me, Aunt June, Leslie, and my wonderful cousins, for not sending a card to each of you --
I feel so so sad for all of you over Donald's departure. Your entries and memories are so nice to read. And please, if you need anything, I'm here for you. My heart goes out to all of you and my prayers are with Donald who I'm sure is taking care of all of our loved ones up there -- yup even my Dad & Betsy (oy vey!).
Love always, Debi Damm Devigili
January 23, 2009
With tremendous sorrow we say "Bye for now."
January 19, 2009
Thank you for the shear joy you brought us
January 19, 2009
Out on his own and loving the whole domestic thing
January 19, 2009
Big brother together with little sister Pat again
January 19, 2009
We are comforted knowing you are with Dad
January 19, 2009
Don's right! One handsome devil!
January 19, 2009
Great hair gets you through those awkward years
January 19, 2009
Phil renamed him, Lil'guy
January 19, 2009
Holly Traube Cordova
January 16, 2009
Don was such a fun, loving, wonderful uncle. I have so many wonderful memories of him. And in all of those memories - Don teaching me the joys of a grilled cheese sandwich, humbling me in tennis, helping his son celebrate his first birthday - he has a huge smile on his face. Leslie and Phil, I am so sorry for what you are going through, and you are in my heart and in my prayers. I will miss Don so much.
June Traube
January 15, 2009
How does a mother say goodbye to one of her children? Especially to a son who was always there for her. A son who called on every birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Mother's Day. If he could visit on any of those days, he made every effort to do so. After the death of his father, he also called on his dad's birthday and our wedding anniversary. His last call to me was only forty-eight hours before he was struck down by his treacherous heart. His call was to ask what I wanted for my birthday. He was delighted to hear that since my birthday fell on a Tuesday, he would be able to visit and help me celebrate. He also went out that same night and bought my gift.
I mentioned his treacherous heart. Don was the athlete in the family. He was (all of us thought) in good shape; not overweight, rarely sick, and very active. But in one disastrous action of his heart, he was doomed. He left a wife and son who loved him dearly and whom he in turn loved unconditionally, and to whom he devoted his life. His pride in his son Phil was unlimited and his love for Leslie, his wife, was so very tender.
I choose not to say goodbye. We will meet again in a world without sickness, pain, or sorrow. This belief helps me through my sorrow and grief. He is there with his dad and his beloved sister Pat. So farewell for the time being, Don. I am sure heaven is richer having you as a new arrival. Those of us who lost you take comfort knowing that eventually one day we will join you. Love, Mom
Our Loving Husband, Father, Son and Brother
January 14, 2009
Michael Damore
January 11, 2009
Leslie and Phil- It's so much harder to console family, I don't know what to say. Even now it doesn't seem real. Don was quite a man, let's never forget how consistent he remained through his life. I wish I had the words to make you feel better, but, all we have are the memories of Don and his candid way of putting things. I know he would want you to be happy after the pain of his loss subsides. Hang in there.
Kay Traube
January 9, 2009
For our family God called Don home much too soon. Don was my brother-in-law. He was our best man and I have a picture outside the VA Tech Chapel- A campus that became his own when Phil went there. I am married to his big brother Phil. So we go back more than 40 years. He was funny, smart, a sports nut, a big goof ball, and the clown of the family. But behind that facade was a sensitive, sweet, loving, intensely aware man. I watched him grow from a boy to a husband to a father. It was a rocky road but when he got there he was the happiest man alive. Family was everything. Leslie and Philip will suffer more than any of us because he really belonged to them. But I am honored to have shared him for awhile and I will love him eternally.
I am certain he is dribbling a basket ball and pontificating about the values of a laid back life. Carry on Big Guy. Bless Heaven as you blessed earth.
January 9, 2009
Leslie and Phil- Words cannot come close to accurately describe the loss we all have suffered- none more than you. He was so much to our family. I looked forward to his strange perspective on life- it always humored me and at times angered me- his uniqueness is what made him Don. A more honest man will never be found. If I ever made it onto Who Wants to be A Millionaire- he would have been one of my "life lines". He knew so much about everything- sports, politics, religions, current events... In many ways he was our "life line". I enjoyed converssations with him and arguments never felt like an argument with him- as I always walked away chuckling or scratching my head. Cherish the memories and time spent as a family. In his death grow- he would want it that way!!!
Remember... "Never lose your sense of wonder... always keep that hunger, never take a single breath for granted... Promise me you'll give faith another chance!!! If you come close to selling out reconsider... AND WHEN YOU GET THE CHOICE TO SIT IT OUT OR DANCE I HOPE YOU DANCE....
Everytime you hear a bell ring- know that Don helped someone somewhere earn their wings. He loved you both more than you know and his life was for you.
Don- thank you for being such a good man, husband, father, brother-in-law, friend, and so much more to so many. LD
Tommy Traube
January 8, 2009
I guess they can always use a "handsome devil" in heaven. Dad probably has him out mowing the lawn right now. Leslie and Phil, he told me how much he loved you often and he followed it up with his actions. As fortunate as you felt to have him, he always considered himself the lucky one.
Don was my big brother and mentor. but more than that, he really was a hero to me. Several times in my life he cared for me when most people wanted nothing to do with me. He cared for me when I didn't care about myself. He never was one to sugar coat, so he gave me tough love. It took me some time to appreciate his brand of love, but I eventually figured it out.
I will never forget all the things we did together with Jimmy. He was a good man who never lied and his life was an open book. A rare person who I had great times with. I know he's scoping out heaven so when his loved ones get there, we'll know exactly what to do. He'll have a strategy for us, like usual.
So long you "four-eyed punk"..... 'til we meet again. I miss you. I love you. God bless you, Big D.
Your brother always, Tommy (Big T)
Dorian Traube
January 8, 2009
Don may be absent from our midst but he will always be present in our hearts.
Kathy Neeff
January 8, 2009
Why Take Don, Why Now?
By kneeff | December 11, 2008
I cannot believe my brother Don died so suddenly and tragically, two days ago, on Dec. 9th. This Monday, Dec. 15th, my Mother will be burying her second child. A man who seemed so fit and healthy; here's a guy that never smoked, drank or ate meat and was the "athlete" of our family. He worked hard his whole life, took care of his family, had the absolute best father/son relationship in existence and loved his wife. I never saw a father beam with more pride when talking about his son and his accomplishments. Leslie and Phil were his reasons for breathing each day. So why now? Why at 61, with so much more to give and look forward to; like his son's future marriage and the grandkids sure to follow, and growing old with the love of his life, why did he have to die like this? His precious heart, that was open, loving and giving to anyone who knew him, arrested in a cruel and violent manner, ripping him from our lives forever. We don't know if he suffered excruciating pain the moment it happened, we just know our pain is absolutely unbearable, our grief unimaginable. Lying in a coma, completely unresponsive, in extreme critical condition, renal failure, fever spiking past 107, hooked up to tubes, monitors and a respirator and unable to so much as blink; we watched as tears streamed from his eyes when we spoke to him. The doctors had no explanation for it.
We all said our goodbyes in our own way, in the little time we had. I thanked him for being a helluva big brother, for his generosity and fabulous sense of humor. He had a devilish side to him which was priceless. I thanked him for the gift of our time spent together at Virginia Tech for Phil's graduation. He couldn't have been more hospitable, making sure we were all comfortable and having a great time. It wasn't often we had such quality time together, this was truly special. I thanked him for all he taught me and for the millions of laughs we shared together. I told him not to worry about his family, we would always be there for them and that he couldn't have done a better job here on earth. I told him he led a life he should be proud of and that we were so proud of him. I spoke of his never ending devotion to his wife and son. And I told him how I envisioned our Dad (with a list of chores) and our sister Pat waiting to walk him into Heaven where his father-in-law Lou was starting a game and our Aunt Marion and Uncle Bob were taking pictures.
But now it was time. The moment we never wanted to confront, and were absolutely dreading, but couldn't put off any longer, was on us. We were all crying, apprehensive and so completely broken hearted. None of us wanted this for him, yet we felt privileged to be with him in his last moments. We closed in around his bed so he wouldn't feel alone or frightened, just in case he knew. His wife Leslie, her twin sister Lisa, son Philip, mother-in-law Marcia, Jimmy, June and I, held him tight as his nurse turned off his life support and, again, for the very last time, we saw tears streaming from his eyes. We watched him slip away from this life and enter into the journey toward his eternal home. May God be with you, Don. You were truly a great guy!! I will miss you forever.
This was written by me, Don's sister, two days after his passing. I never wanted to forget our last moments together. His loving wife, Leslie asked me to add it to this guestbook. I'm honored to do so.
Tim & Cathy Burian
January 2, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Peggy Chillis
December 14, 2008
Dear Leslie and Philip, Remember to look up and lean on Him and rely on His strength to see you through this difficult time.
Charlie, Peggy and Mark Chillis
December 13, 2008
Don was a kind, gentle man who was always willing to help others.
He was passionate about his family, tennis, basketball, the Yankees and Virginia Tech! He and Louis will be cheering for the Hoakies from Heaven! He will be missed!
Gammy
Howard Patterson
December 13, 2008
Even though I hadn't seen Don since HS, I always remember his great wit - and soft-touch basketball shot.
My sincere sympathy to the family:
Joseph Abbamont
December 13, 2008
Don was one of my High School Buddies.We rode the famous "Wild Yellow Bus together for four years,Brother Phil can attest to that bus ride everyday,as we did have fun.Myself,Don,Phil,Mcgee all took that school bus,and probably learned more their,than at school Ha.I guess,in those days we were famous or maybe infamous?By the way There was another "Don",on that bus and he was famous and he was a good friend of Don's! His name was "Steely Dan".But Don Traube has been and always will be with me in Spirit.Mrs. Traube,Leslie,Phil my Dad passed away in June,so i asked my Dad,to give Don a hand if he needs one.
Don's High School Buddy,
Joe Abbamont Jr.
Kathy Neeff
December 13, 2008
Don was a great big brother to the five of us kids and "lil guy" to big brother Phil. Though devilish at times he was a riot to be around. He taught us, humored us and protected us. He was a devoted family man who believed the sun rose and set for his son Phil. He will be missed, terribly. Our loss is Heaven's gain.
December 12, 2008
Phil and Leslie- Don was a great guy. He was so pleasant and so proud of both of you. Remember him and let those memories bring you strength in the days to come.
Leanne Kimmel Toth
December 12, 2008
Leslie and family,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. May God give you His strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Renee Koppenhaver
December 11, 2008
Don was a great guy to work with at Lowes and will be greatly missed by all of his co-workers
December 11, 2008
Don was a great friend, co-worker, and an even better man. He will truly be missed at Lowe's RDC 961.
Peg & Harry Kolbe
December 11, 2008
Leslie & Philip, May you find comfort in your treasured memories. Thinking of you all in this time of sorrow.
December 11, 2008
Leslie and Phil- My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will never shop at Wal Mart again!!!!! He was a great man.
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