Donald E. Smale

Donald E. Smale, 90
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Donald “Don” E. Smale, 90, of Rockford died Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Presence St. Anne Center. Born July 10, 1924 in Rockford the son of Edmund and Loretta (Cullen) Smale. Joined the US Navy and served during WWII as a radioman on PT 176 in the South Pacific for 3 years. On May 10, 1952, he married Louise Ida Stambaugh at St. James Catholic Church in Rockford. Don worked for Dean Foods for 23 years and moved to Florida to work for Pratt Whitney as an assembler. He retired to North Carolina in 1989. He was a kind and gentle man who was a true animal lover. Don rescued many animals he felt needed love and care. He is survived by his sister, Esther “Jean” (George “Bill”) Coffey and nieces, Carol (Bill Carlstrom) Coffey and Karen Coffey. He was preceded in death by his wife on December 19, 2004.
At Don’s request all services are private and cremation rites to be accorded by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel. Memorials in his name to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary or any no kill animal shelter. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com