Don T. Donaca

Donald Tommy Donaca, 82, died Friday, January 6, 2017 at Ashley Manor, in Prineville following a brief illness.

A coffee break remembrance is being held in Don's honor at the Apple Peddler restaurant in Prineville between 10 and 11 AM, on Friday, January 13, 2017. All of Don's friends are invited to join for coffee and conversation one of Don's favorite activities please join us.

He leaves his daughter Casey Donaca DiPietro and her husband Ron, his daughter Deanna Donaca Unger and her husband Larry, Grand children Danny DiPietro (Kelsey) Kristin (DiPietro) Homan (Justin), Jake Unger (Katie), Rob Unger, Kelsey Unger, Great granddaughter Brooklyn Homan, great grandsons Byron Homan and Theo Unger. He is also survived by his sister Betty O'Keefe as well as many nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Prineville, Oregon, the son of Tom and Anna (Dill) Donaca, he was a lifelong resident of Prineville. He spent almost his entire life living and working the land on Mill Creek Road.

Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17. He was on the front lines during the Korean War where he was injured and received a Purple Heart. Subsequently stationed stateside in Babbit, Nevada, he met his future wife Joyce Keener. They enjoyed 49 years together before her death in 2003.

Following Don's honorable discharge as a corporal from the United States Marine Corps, he and Joyce returned to Prineville where they raised their two daughters. He spent several years as a law-enforcement officer then retired from Ochoco lumber company after almost 40 years of service.

Don had many dogs over the years but none prized more highly than his faithful companion copper, who could always be seen riding in the pick up and waiting for Don.

Don will be laid to rest beside his wife Joyce, at Mill Creek Cemetery, beneath a joint headstone inscribed "from here to eternity".

 Service Information