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Donald Joseph Lough
September 25, 1928 - October 28, 2022
At age 94, Donald Joseph Lough, was called back to our Lord on Friday, October 28th after a brief and heroic battle with cancer. Don left this world the way he lived, giving his best and accepting God’s will without bitterness, even when it was challenging to do so. He met his cancer diagnosis with grace and acceptance, utilizing all of the tools available for treatment. He was winning this fight until his body and God decided otherwise just a few days before his passing. His family is devastated, but also incredibly grateful for the privilege of calling him “Dad, Grandpa, and Papa” for such a long time.
Don was a devout practicing Catholic for his entire life and spent a year in the seminary after high school. He lived as a disciple of Jesus through his capacity to love and help others, and by his ability to forgive. His heart was always open and his spirit always resilient. He suffered the loss of a child, two wives, countless family members and friends, and still started each day with gratitude for being alive. He believed each day was a fresh start. Don was an embodiment of renewal.
He embraced life fully and knew how to enjoy it. He was a member of The Hole in One Club and played golf several times a week; he didn’t let blindness in one eye and low vision in the other discourage him or get in the way of a good game. His last game was a month before he died, and according to him, his game had never been better. He was the family photographer, enjoyed tending to his lawn and shrubs, with help in later years, and enjoyed feeding and watching the birds in his yard. He was fascinated with the night sky and shared it with his grandchildren with a prompt to look up at Mr. Moon, and partaking in a good meal was ranked high on his list of favorite hobbies. Pictures of Don usually include a corned beef sandwich or a burger in his hand, a camera around his neck, and a big smile on his face.
Don was a devoted hockey fan and loyal to the New York Rangers for over 80 years. It was no surprise when the Rangers lost on the evening of October 28th; they were grief stricken by the loss of their longest running fan. When the Rangers won the Stanley Cup in 1994, Don was so excited his wife Pat thought he was having a heart attack; luckily the world had him for 28 more years. Don was a retired New York City Police Officer, a body guard for Senator Jacob Javits, a reservist, and a charter member of The NYPD Emerald Society as well as a Knight of Columbus - Third Degree. He was also a very patriotic, and had affection for the American flag, parades, and patriotic and country/western music.
His nature was always curious, and he never lost the ability to grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. He was generous with his time, his ear, his love, his money, and his wonderful sense of humor. He considered many as family, especially his children’s friends. He continued visiting with them long after his kids left the nest, offering advise or an empathic listen accompanied by a bowl of homemade chili.
Don is deeply loved and sorely missed, and is survived by his cousin Joan who is 94 years old, and by his two children, Don and Trish, and their spouses also considered children, Nicole and David. He has 7 beloved grandchildren: Justin. Alex, Brandon, Connor, Kyle, Grace, and Ben, and their wives and significant others: Jess, Hanah, Krissy, Jackie, and Emma.
He joins many loved ones in heaven: his wife of 6 years, Ronnie, his wife of 49 years, Pat, his daughter Christine who has been waiting for him for 54 years, Anne, Pat’s mom who truly was his mom, Pat’s family who was his own, his parents Mary and Harry, his brothers Hank and Albert, and friends and relatives in numbers too large to name.
His family thanks the Ocala Palms Community and Our Lady of Peace Church in Ocala, Florida where he lived, worshipped (and played golf of course) for 14 years, The Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Valley Stream, his spiritual home for 50 years, Sunrise Assisted Living, Michigan where he spent his final year, and all of the doctors and nurses that provided such amazing care, especially in his final years and days, with special recognition for his confidants Allison, Sally, and Kim. We thank all who have loved and helped our beloved Dad and Grandpa. We know he’s up in heaven looking out for all of you!