Shirley Dean Donaldson

Shirley Dean Donaldson, age 88, of Dayton, Ohio quietly passed away on Monday, January 7, 2019 at Kettering Hospital. Shirley Dean was born in Dayton, Ohio on September 12, 1930. He was preceded in death by his parents Ivan and Caryl Donaldson of Maysville, Kentucky. He was predeceased by Gisela A. (Gronau) Donaldson, his wife of 61 years, for whom he provided dedicated, loving care for many years, and grandson Brian Cheatwood. He is survived by two sons and one daughter and was Opa (or Opi) to five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Daughter Ingrid & Donald McGuire, grandson Eric Cheatwood & Kelly (Howard) and great‐ grandson Owen Cheatwood. Son Grant & Roberta (Schmitz) Donaldson, granddaughter Avery and grandson Adam. Son David Donaldson, granddaughter Rachel and grandson Kyle, and former daughter‐ in‐law Pamala (Wolff) Donaldson. Mr. Donaldson was graduated from Stivers High School and then served in the Korean War between 1951 and 1953. He attended the University of Dayton. He subsequently worked in food service and achieved many milestones at NCR Corporation over 45 years, retiring as Operations Manager. He was President and Director of the International Food Service Executives Association, Dayton Division, and was active with other food service organizations in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He was a large supporter of the House of Bread in Dayton, Ohio and was a dedicated member of the New Apostolic church over many years. Shirley Dean most often made a deep impression on those he met over his 88 years. He had a strong work ethic and a service‐oriented demeanor. During his working years and after, he touched a wide swath of the Miami Valley community, often stopping to greet and chat while on casual outings. His lively, witty, inquisitive nature impacted the lives of many including those in his living facility of recent years. Even in his last moments, he joked, interacted with and teased medical staff, which elicited favorable comments that were expressed to surviving family. The family will receive friends, January 19, 2019 at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Avenue at Rahn Road Dayton, Ohio 45429 from 3:00 pm until time of the memorial service at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the House of Bread.