DONALD "DON" CHRYSLER

Donald “Don” Chrysler, of Syracuse, New York, earned his Angel’s Driver’s License and, in his dream red Chevy truck, drove through the pearly white Gates of Heaven to be reunited with his dad on October 11th, 2024. Born in Syracuse on October 7th, 1938, to Arthur and Alena Chrysler, Don just finished an impactful 86-year journey. His parents and siblings, Bob, Al, Arthur, Joan, Billy, Kenny, and Carl, passed on before him. He lives on through his loving wife, Nancy Lee, with whom he recently celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage; his three children, Christine, Charlene, and Donald; and his cherished grandchildren, Donny, Gabriella, Aidan, Connor, and Serafina. He is also survived by his eldest sister, Betty Tassone, and generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Don had the hands of a hardworking man driven by his dedication to providing a fulfilling life for his family. When Nancy Lee called for supper in the evenings, Don would be outside or in the garage tinkering with whatever his hands could find. He always said, “I’ll be there in a minute.” But his persistence got the best of him, and a minute would turn into forever. That was him, always determined to get the job done. A proud veteran, Don served his country in the Heavy Equipment Platoon during the Berlin Crisis in Germany and France. After returning from deployment abroad, he began his honorable 38-year career at Carrier Corporation as a Plant Supervisor until retirement. He was proud to have been an Onondaga County Sheriff Special Deputy. His favorite job was being Papa to his five grandchildren and four grand-puppies. He enjoyed watching Little Donny and Aidan play ball as he did with his son Donny, playing cards and gardening with Gabby, and joking around with Connor and Serafina. He had a soft spot for his grand puppies—Bebi, Glynnie, Honey, and Judge—and was always sneaking them a treat or 10 whenever possible. Don loved visiting Clifton Park to see his daughter, Chrissy. There, he started mornings with her in the living room and completed his “Daddy Do Lists.” He and his son Donny shared a passion for the NY Yankees, even attending a few games together. For years, Char took Don, Nancy, and Gabby to Niagara Falls, where they spent many memorable summer vacations. Finally, taking their "Last Hoorah" trip this past summer. His humor and love were contagious; his smile could light up a room. Don was incredibly loyal, hardworking, and willing to help those who needed an extra hand. Most of all, Don looked forward to the day he would be with his dad, whom he lost at the age of 24. That long-awaited reunion came true on Friday morning. We love him enormously, will carry on his legacy, and miss him so much. As Don would say, “It’s not a goodbye; it’s a see you later.” In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight Syracuse, Inc., P.O. Box 591 Syracuse, NY 13209, please visit https://honorflightsyracuse.org/ for their mission to honor veterans. Family and friends may call Friday October 18, 2024 from 9:00 - 10:00 AM at St. Marianne Cope Parish – Our Lady of Peace Church, 203 Halcomb St, Syracuse with a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM. BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, Solvay, has care of arrangements. Please share online tributes at www.bagozzitwins.com.

DONALD "DON" CHRYSLER

October 7, 1938 - October 11, 2024