He was born in Suffern, NY on September 29, 1948 to Margaret and James F. Rist, Sr.
He graduated from North Rockland High School and went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1968 – 1971 and then served 2 years in the Navy Reserves until 1973. After receiving an honorable discharge, he went on to work for Orange and Rockland Utilities for 30 years.
He married Andrea Flescher on May 6, 1973. They moved to Washingtonville in 1978 where they raised their 2 children.
He is survived by his wife at home, his daughters, Donna Thom and her husband Shawn, Lori-Ann Pentz and her husband William. Nine grandchildren. Christina Pentz, Kylie Thom, Emily Pentz, Neil Coyne, Austin Thom, Caitlyn Coyne, Marissa Watroba, Jason Thom and Hanna Watroba. He is also survived by his sister, Delores Tiner, his brother and sister-in-law, Martin and Annemarie Rist who both still reside in Rockland County. Donald is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Donald is predeceased by his parents, his brother James F. Rist, Jr., and his wife Jean and his other brother Thomas Rist and brother in-law, Louis Tiner.
Services will be held on Monday, January 27, 2020 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at David T. Ferguson Funeral Home in Washingtonville, NY. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at St. Mary’s R.C. Church. Burial to follow at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Goshen, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital in Donald’s name.
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