Donald C. Dillenbeck of Goshen, surrounded by his loving family at home, died on Sunday, March 8, 2021.
The son of Clayton and Blanche Dillenbeck, he was born on Aug. 19, 1930, in Goshen.
Don was loved by many, but most of all was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his devoted and beloved wife Marlene. They were lifelong partners and friends for 57 years.
He is survived by his daughter Deborah and husband Rich Lombardi of Goshen, son John Dillenbeck and his partner Dr. Mona Singh of New York City, and daughter Cynthia Dillenbeck and fiancé Keith Dowling of Warwick. He was a proud grandparent to Nicholas and Jessica Lombardi.
Donald graduated from Goshen High School in 1948. In high school he played baseball and track for four years. He graduated from Drew University in 1952. He played baseball at Drew for four years.
In 1957 he earned a Master of Arts degree from the Teachers College at Columbia University.
After college Donald was drafted into the Army. He was stationed in Huntsville, Alabama, and White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. While in the service he became a Guided Missile Specialist working on the Red Stone and Nike Missile Programs.
Donald’s professional career spanned 38 years, all in the Chester School District. He was an American History teacher for five years and a Guidance Counselor for 33. He was actively involved in helping students while they were considering their future lives and careers. He encouraged students to attend a variety of college nights and spent time with individual students considering alternatives other than college to develop their skills and interest in other areas.
He was a high school baseball coach and a junior high school basketball and soccer coach. He was the National Honor Society Advisor for 30 years.
In 1991 he was the recipient of the “Walt Kennett Memorial Award” presented by the Orange County Guidance Counsel Association.
After retirement he enjoyed traveling, wintering down south and, most of all, spending time with his friends and family.
He will be missed very much. His decency, sincerity and kind soul will stay with us forever. So, through our tears, let us see the blessings of knowing and loving him– a good man and a better guy. We will think of him all the time.
Visitation will be Friday, March 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc, 82 South Church St., Goshen, with a prayer service at 6:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/, https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/ or Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550.
Arrangements under the care of Donovan Funeral Home, Inc. To leave a condolence, online please visit www.donovanfunerals.com.