Donald James Slattery (July 11, 1929-July 8, 2021)
Donald Slattery was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Don lived most of his 91 years in Ithaca and graduated from Ithaca High School in 1946. After graduation Don began his career with Cornell University, starting in the stock room at the Campus Store, working his way up the ladder over 40 years and retiring as Operations Manager in 1986. But Don’s greatest achievement was marrying his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, Theresa Baiguini, in 1949.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Theresa B. Slattery; 6 children: daughters Donna Cooper (Arthur) and Kathy Button (Daniel), sons James (Cindy), Stephen (Salynne), Daniel (Margaret), and David (Karen) Slattery, 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Walter J and Helen Ethel (Maher) Slattery and sister Irene Moat of Glenside, PA.
Don believed strongly in giving back to the community. He served as an Ithaca Alderman for 14 years, overseeing the development of the Ithaca Commons, Cass Park, and The Ithaca Youth Bureau. He was elected Tompkins County representative and served the county until his retirement.
Don also had many hobbies – he was an accomplished handyman who renovated 4 houses and helped build an elaborate playhouse for his children to enjoy. Later in life he helped his children with their household repairs, and at the age of 75 single-handedly replaced every window in his “Castle” on Court Street. Don enjoyed wheelbarrow races with his children, family summer walks to Cascadilla Gorge, giving you a head-start in a footrace, singing, dancing, and music of all kinds. He could often be heard harmonizing with his wife after dinner while washing the dishes. Later in his life he developed a love of technology and spent many hours tinkering with his computer, creating safer passwords and playing chess.
Donald James Slattery had a great sense of humor, a memorable laugh, and generous heart. He believed in the goodness of all people and left those he met feeling better. Don, husband, father dad, daddy will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A Memorial Mass celebrating Don’s life will be held Friday, July 16 at 1:00 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Ithaca. A short luncheon will follow Mass. In lieu of flowers donations are encouraged in Don’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation. Online condolences at www.bangsfuneralhome.com
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SERVICES Memorial Service
Friday, July 16, 2021 1:00 PM
Immaculate Conception Church 113 N. Geneva St. Ithaca, NY 14850
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