Donald Thomas MacRae, 77, a well-known, longtime resident of Duryea and recently of Avoca passed away on March 16, 2021 following an extended illness. Born in Passaic, NJ on October 8, 1943, he was the son of the late Stanley Hart MacRae and the former Anna Mesko.
Mr. MacRae led a life of service to his family, Duryea Borough and his country, serving in the US Army as a mechanic and later as both a Duryea police officer and volunteer firefighter at Germania Hose Company. He also served on the Duryea Borough Council. Donald was counted as a friend to many in Duryea and the surrounding area and throughout the country. He was a professional local and long-haul truck driver for much of his adult life but also owned a successful HVAC company, Don’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Services as well as a diner on Lonesome Road in Old Forge. Donald was also a car lover and racing enthusiast. In the early days of Pocono Downs, he built and raced funny cars and always enjoyed working on cars. His taste in music was eclectic, but his favorites included polkas and country/western. He enjoyed dancing to both at family get-togethers.
In addition to his parents, Stanley and Anne, he is preceded in death by his stepfather, Leo Pintha; a sister Eileen Matthews; and a half-brother, Raymond Pintha. He leaves his wife, the former Margaret (Peggy) Brostoski MacRae; a sister, Barbara MacRae
Johnson and husband, Ted; and two half-sisters, Mary Ann Pintha Smeltzer and Marguerite Pintha Merenda and husband Joseph Merenda; a daughter, Margaret MacRae Doran, and husband Sean; two sons, Donald Thomas MacRae, Jr. and wife Danielle, and Edward MacRae and wife, Kelly. He also has seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.
The family wishes to thank Allied Services Integrated Health System Hospice, the nurses who provided efficient and compassionate care to both Mr. MacRae and his family in this difficult time.
Donald enjoyed spending time with his dog, Gigi. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ASPCA or your favorite charity.
A private blessing service will be held by Fr. John Polednak of Nativity of Our Lord Parish Church, Duryea . Interment will be held at St. John’s Cemetery, Duryea with military honors held by the AMVETS honor guard of Greater Pittston.
Arrangements are made by Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea.