Obituary of Donald Dwyer

Don was born in New York City on August 17, 1928 and raised in its suburb community of Chappaqua, New York. He is predeceased by two brothers, Bill and John, and one sister, Jane McCarthy. He was the last remaining member of his immediate family. He is survived by his wife, Martina, brother-in-law Bart Graham (and his wife, Marjorie) of Saint John, and several nieces and nephews. In his youth, Don served in the United States military. He was assigned to postings in Italy and Korea, becoming a Veteran of that War. On June 21, 1958 Don and Martina Graham from Saint John, New Brunswick were married in Chappaqua, New York. For the next 56 years, they became a team and journeyed life’s roads together sharing all the many ‘ups and downs’. Don and Martina (Bette, as he affectionately called her!!) made their home in White Plains, New York. Together with Bette, he took great pride in his property and his door was always open to welcome visitors from ‘Kanada’. Don was employed by Nestle US Inc. for 37 years, and as well worked part-time as Office Manager for the Westchester Golf and Country Club. In addition to his work, Don served as an active 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, in the volunteer fire department in White Plains, held a membership in the Westchester County American Legion, and together with Bette, joined in many local theatre and stage productions in White Plains. Don was a man of strong faith, who embraced every day with a spirit of joy and laughter. He enjoyed sharing good food and ‘drink’ with family and friends. He cherished his Irish Catholic traditions, Irish music, and all things Irish. He ‘loved people’ and at Christmas time he would dress-up in his ‘Santa Claus Costume’ and entertained both young and old. He loved travelling, making two trips to Ireland, going on southern Cruises, visiting family throughout United States and Canada, and of course regular car trips to spend the holidays with Bette’s extended family circles in New Brunswick. Together with Bette, Don enthusiastically retired to Rothesay, New Brunswick in 1994. In his retirement years, Don enjoyed the companionship of his Collie dog – ‘Brandy’ and his beautiful and spacious home with its many gardens. For a number of years, he assisted with the Knights of Columbus – 4th Degree fundraising events in Saint John. As well with Bette, they volunteered as greeters at the Cruise Ship Terminal and at the Saint John Airport. In 2010, Don was diagnosed with Dementia and subsequently he needed to be placed into the care and assistance of special needs living facilities. For over a year, he has received truly wonderful care and kind attention from the attentive and devoted staff of the Rocmaura Nursing Home. Just 7 days short of his 86th birthday, Don passed away in the early morning of August 10, 2014. Following the Mass of Christian Burial from Our Lady of Assumption, Don’s remains will be interred in a family lot at Holy Cross Cemetery, Saint John. After the burial, family and friends are cordially invited to gather for a reception ‘in honor of Don’s life’ at the Fallsview Funeral Home, Family Reception Centre, 309 Lancaster Avenue. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…………….Enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” – Matthew 25:21