Donald E. Saxer Jr.

Donald E. Saxer, Jr., 53, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away suddenly due to colon cancer related complications on Friday, May 12, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born on May 21, 1969, to Rose and Donald Saxer (both deceased) in Buffalo, NY. In his childhood, Don and his family moved to Columbus, Ohio where he attended Columbus Public Schools and was active in his high school football and track and field programs. He also played violin in the school orchestra. After high school, he worked at Riverside Hospital for many years as a patient escort. Later in life, he realized he had an affinity for sales and enjoyed creating connections with his customers and turning those business relationships into friendships- of which he had many.

Although his life wasn’t always easy, Don never lost hope and continually worked to improve himself and the lives of his children: Dominic (26), Michael (25), and Maria (21). His proudest moments and greatest joys revolved around them. He was also very close to his younger brother, Jeff, and they considered each other their best friend. Don enjoyed spending time with Jeff, his wife Betsy, and their daughter’s Maggie (Zach Hale) and Kaitlyn.

Don had two main loves in his life: his family and Costco - and the two were often intertwined. Don was an avid cook and delighted in spending time roasting, grilling, sautéing, seasoning, basting, and braising food for his kids, his family, and his neighbors. He and his brother, Jeff often spent time sharing grilling tips, discovering new Costco seasoning blends, and trading dinners back and forth.

Don cherished his children and delighted in the time they were able to spend together. He spoke about them with such pride and love and enjoyed supporting them in their pursuits. In Don’s down time, he enjoyed talking about cars, politics, current events, Oldies music, the weather- anything under the sun. He loved to share advice and an opinion to whomever would listen. He also loved being outside and enjoying the peace and solitude of the natural world. Don was drawn to water and he would take Dominic, Michael, and Maria fishing whenever they had the chance; sharing pictures of their current catch with the same pride as he shared their first fish as children. Don would get on the water in his kayak and he, ever the salesman, easily talked his brother, Jeff, into buying a kayak, too. The two of them would head out on the weekends to discover new fishing holes, watch wildlife, and enjoy the serenity of nature. Don also enjoyed building and flying model airplanes, which turned into a father-son hobby for him and Michael. This, along with his knowledge in fixing anything, sparked Michael's lifelong interest in engineering. He passed his ability to connect with people on to his son, Dominic, and impressed on him the importance of opening himself up to new people and experiences. He showed the importance of taking care of others when he would volunteer his time to cook for others in need, this inspired Maria to continue his work and help those in need through humanitarian services.

Don is survived by his children Dominic, Michael, and Maria, brother, Jeff (Betsy) and his family, by his sisters Susan (Rick) Polder, Kathy Gazy, Donna (Wayne) Wooten, nieces Nichole Tatarski, Corrine (Adam) Yarbrough, Charlene Marabella, Jacki Sarach, Taylor Polder, Maggie (Zach Hale) and Kaitlyn Saxer, Caleigh and Olivia Long, Jasmine, Hailey, Paige and Sydney Wooten, nephews Gabe Cardarella, Bobby Sarach, Jason (Jan) Polder, Wayne Wooten, and ex-wife, Cynthia Gerhardt and her sister, Carmen (Calvin) Long. He is predeceased by his parents Donald, Sr. and Rose (Maggiore) Saxer, brother Robert T. Sarach, step-brother Jim Saxer, step-sister Linda Price, and nephew David Tatarski.

His children are having a private Celebration of Life gathering in the near future to honor and remember their father. In lieu of flowers, his children request that you make a donation to the American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Research at: Donate for Don (https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialpage).