Donald L. Shrader, 78, of Avoca, passed away December 16, 2022, at Allied Skilled Nursing Facility, Scranton. He was born on September 4, 1944 in Bluefield, West Virginia and moved with his family to Pennsylvania at the age of five.
Donald was a graduate of Taylor-Moosic High School and Johnson’s School of Technology. He was employed by Western Electric, Allentown; Capital Records, Scranton; and Schott Optical, Duryea where he retired after forty-four years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Martha Tate Shrader; his sister, Margaret Fleshman; and brother, Stanley.
Donald is survived by his best-friend and wife of 57 years, Anne Pakutka Shrader; son Jude and wife Donna of Drums; daughter Lauren Gedrich and husband Richard of Scranton; grandsons Evan Gedrich and David Shrader; brothers-in-law, Paul Pakutka and Robert Serovinski; and several nieces and nephews.
Donald’s hobbies included stamp collecting, bird watching, gardening, hunting, fishing, and tying flies. He was an avid craftsman who enjoyed woodworking and home improvement projects. His colleagues and friends would often mention how “Donnie” could make or fix anything with his skills and patience.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor who radiated kindness with a gentle spirit that made everyone around him feel special. He welcomed family and friends into his home with his warm smile and was always there to lend a hand when needed. He was especially proud of his grandsons Evan and David, who fondly referred to him as “Poppy”. Donald will be remembered as a man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, always putting others’ needs above his own, and for his patience, compassion, and unconditional love for his family.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 127 Stephenson St., Duryea with Fr. Michael Bryant officiating. Friends may call for visitation on Saturday morning at the church from 9:30AM until the time of mass.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Center, Scranton.
Arrangements are made by Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea.