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JOHN DONKUS Obituary
John graduated from Lisbon High School in 1954 and enlisted in the US Navy February 1955. He reported to his first submarine, the USS Corsair SS435 in February 1956. He served on the USS Piper SS409, then the USS Thomas Edison SS610.
After an 82 days submerged patrol & 11 years of submarine service, John resigned and went to work as a civilian for the Navy & retired in 1996 with 36 years of service. He then went into business for himself as 'John's Stump Grinding', for about 8 years.
While wintering in Venice, he began taking flying lessons at Venice Airport and finished up at Carlisle PA Airport...he loved flying with his many friends in both locales.
John is survived by wife, Kathleen Bolze Donkus, son Chris Donkus of Lisbon, Maine, son Adam Donkus of Boyertown, Pennsylvania, son Chris Golaszewski of Seattle, Washington, and son Scott Golaszewski of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania.
Also one sister, Camille Booker of Lisbon, Maine, Four grandchildren, Catherine Dana Donkus of Kutztown, Pennsylvania, Evan Donkus of Denver, Colorado, Olivia Donkus of Portland, Maine and Cole Donkus of Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
Memorial contributions may be mailed to Tidewell Hospice 3550 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34239.
There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN DONKUS
4 Entries
Chris Edgar
October 14, 2025
We have so many memories of John. He was Sonny and my Mom's next door neighbor in White Rock Acres. John was ALWAYS there to help out, whether it be to chop firewood or help with a project or assist Sonny after my Mom passed. He was so kind and thoughtful. Kathy, we are so sorry for your loss. Chris and Ken Edgar and Dorothy's Children-Russ, Karen and Nadine.
Kathy your wife
September 30, 2025
Margi Miller
September 27, 2025
John ALWAYS greeted us with a smile and words of encouragement. I often graced his home in Venice to practice harp with Kathy. No matter how bad we sounded, John thought we were "lovely". He was a lovely man and will be missed on earth. John, keep encouraging us from heaven!
Helen and Jim Martyn
September 26, 2025
Deepest condolences to Johns family. John was a great guy. We enjoyed meals out and loved to hear his submarine story´s. Jim had many fun flying days with John. We sure will miss him.
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