Donald Thompson Cary

Donald T. Cary of Rochester, MI passed away on June 17, 2024. He was born Feb. 18th, 1938 in Johnson City, NY, the only child to Don and Alice Cary. Donald graduated from Chenango Forks High School and attended Delhi University. He was a proud graduate in Animal Husbandry from the University of Georgia. Donald met the lovely Nancy ViVirski at the stock car races in August of 1959 and married her in August of 1960. They shared 63 wonderful years together. After graduation, Don started his career with Swift and Co. in New York City selling meat to restaurants and institutions. He moved 10 times in 10 years throughout New England, with his young family in tow, as he built his career. A job opportunity brought Don to Detroit in 1969 allowing the family to settle in Rochester and build a home in 1976 that would be their final residence. The backyard pool was the site of many fun filled gatherings with family and friends. Don and Nancy enjoyed many memorable trips throughout the US and Hawaii and he made new friends everywhere he went.

Donald built many close relationships and loyalty with the chefs at restaurants he sold to over the years, as he moved from HR&I to Chicago Beef and ended out his career at Northern Lakes Meat and Seafood. Donald was a member of Chefs d' Cuisine and IFSEA Detroit Branch. As a man of faith, he was a longtime member and Usher at St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Nancy; Daughters Michelle Donoghue and Donna (Kathy Lesniak) Cary; Grandsons Sean and Bryan Donoghue; and Sister-in-law Linda Wood. He is predeceased by his parents, Don and Alice Cary, and Son-in-law Mark Donoghue.

A visitation for Donald will be held on Sunday, June 23, from 3-7 PM at Pixley Funeral Home in Rochester, MI. His funeral will be the following day, Monday, June 24, at 11 AM at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. The family will be accepting guests from 10 AM until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.