Menu

Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

/

/

About

University of California| Berkeley

Donald McCormack Obituary

Donald Michael McCormack May 14, 1941 to Dec. 12, 2010 Born to Irish Immigrant parents Mary Vaughan and Martin McCormack and raised in New York City. Passed away in Oakland, California due to complications of Leukemia. Served in the US Marine Corps from 1959-1962. Earned a BA from UC Berkeley in 1969 and an MA in History from UC Santa Barbara in 1971. He was a reporter for the Contra Costa Times and the Richmond Independent. He also had a feature Column in the SF Chronicle called "Hang Your Hat" (Don was rarely seen in public without a hat). In 1985, Don created McCormack's Guides, a popular series of relocation guides covering 16 California counties. Preceded in death by parents Mary and Martin and brother Martin Jr.. Survived by brother John McCormack, his loving wife of 44 years, Nancy, sons Brendan (Megan), Dan, daughter Meghan (Filippo), and granddaughters Grace and Ruth. Don was a voracious reader, an opera lover, a history buff, a serious bridge player, a fitness biker, and an international traveler. He followed politics and technology. He always had a witty, but kind word. He delighted in friendly debate and loved to play the devil's advocate. He was a unique and lively person who will truly be missed. Don's memorial service will be held Monday December 20th at 10am at Connolly and Taylor Chapel in Martinez. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 16 to Dec. 17, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald McCormack

7 Entries

Bill Garrick

December 22, 2010

He will be missed.

Trinity Abernathy

December 21, 2010

My condolences to the McCormack family. I worked for Don many years ago and always appreciated his passion for his Guides. He was always quick to smile and give praise. He will be missed.

David Boyd

December 18, 2010

While living in Martinez, Don was one of the finest neighbors I ever had. I have truely missed his warm smile, friendship and banter since moving away. Please accept my deepest sympathies knowing that at true friend has passed on. My thought and prayer are with you Nancy, Benden, Dan and Meghan.

Mary Jennings

December 17, 2010

I am very sad to hear of Don's passing. Nancy, Megan and the rest of the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. The years I worked with Don at McCormack's Guides are very memorable and I have great appreciation for all of Don's encouragement and advice over the years. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with him and will cherish some really great memories. Thanks Don for letting me be part of it all.

Theresa Mason

December 16, 2010

Don McCormack was truly a great person and the world is more empty without him. I was blessed to know Don McCormack thru his daughter Meghan whom I have been friends with for many years. Don was always filled with intelligence, wit, and kind words. I will miss him very much. He was kind enough to write me a letter of recommendation for law school. I was feeling very shaky about my future and this gesture encouraged me to push forward with my aspirations. I think that he inspired many people during his life. I will also miss how he always had a smile and wore a hat. I know how special he was to so many people and his absence is so hard to understand. He is with the angels now and may his family and friends find comfort in the wonderful memories of an amazing life shared with him. During this difficult time the McCormack family is in my prayers.

Erin Hallissy

December 16, 2010

I met Don when I was a young reporter at the Contra Costa Times, and he was a great mentor and friend over the years. He always had a smile and a kind word, and as an Irishman he loved to tell stories, and to hear other people's stories. He was so enthusiastic about the McCormack's Guides, and had great parties to celebrate new publications in the early years. Later, I would often see Don at Waterfront Park while I was taking my walks and he was riding his bike, and we would always stop to talk for long periods to catch up on each other's lives and work. He was also a devoted son; I remember him taking his elderly mother to Mass at Christ the King.
I will miss Don, and I am thinking of Nancy, his wonderful wife, and his children and grandchildren.
Erin Hallissy

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in Donald McCormack's name

Memorial Events
for Donald McCormack

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Donald's loved ones

Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.