Donald E. McCluckie

Donald (Don) Eugene McCluckie, born June 10, 1938, of Aurora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, at the age of 87. On August 23, 1958, Don married the love of his life, JoAnn (Cushing) McCluckie, with whom he shared 67 wonderful years of marriage.

Don attended Bradley University and went on to become a mechanical engineer. He dedicated 40 years of his career to Richards-Wilcox in Aurora, Illinois, where he worked from 1960 until his retirement in 2000. His career was marked by hard work, ingenuity, and a deep commitment to his profession.

He was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Church in North Aurora, Illinois, where his faith and community were central to his life. Don was also active in many organizations including the Lion's Club, Holy Angels Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, and the Bums Club (a 25-year Richards-Wilcox group).

Beyond his professional and volunteer work, Don was an avid golfer, an amazing softball player, and a dedicated bowler. He loved sharing music and laughter, often leading karaoke sing-a-longs at Constitution House, where his energy and spirit lifted those around him. Most of all, he cherished time with his family and loved attending all of his grandchildren's events, sporting or otherwise, celebrating their accomplishments with pride.

He is survived by his devoted wife, JoAnn; his daughters, Annette (Gary) Soris and Brenda (George) Malina; his sister, Suzanne (McCluckie) Warning; his sisters-in-law Mary Punke, Janice Feltzen, and Carol (Ed) Walker; his brother-in-law John (Karen) Cushing; six beloved grandchildren: Brandon (Katie) Soris of Aurora, Illinois; Christopher Soris of Chicago, Illinois; Shawn Soris of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Kalie (Sean) Fichtel of Aurora, Illinois; George (Ashley) Malina of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; and Collin Malina (Kate Troutman) of Chicago, Illinois; and six cherished great- grandchildren: Adam Soris, Patrick Soris, Emily Soris, Michael Soris, George C. Malina, and Henry Malina and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, James McCluckie; his mother, Elizabeth (Parker) McCluckie; and his brothers-in-law Robert Warning, James Cushing, Jr., and Dennis Punke.

Special thanks are extended to First Health Hospice for their compassionate care during Don's final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donald's memory to Blessed Sacrament Church in North Aurora, Illinois or to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Daleiden Mortuary (220 North Lake Street Aurora, IL 60506 *630-631-5500*), with a wake service at 4:00 p.m. The funeral will take place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church in North Aurora. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.