Donald DePerro, age 66, of Dublin, passed unexpectedly on Saturday, January 11, 2025. He is preceded in death by parents Henry J. Sr. and Lucy T. DePerro. He is survived by wife Lia; children Adam (Kat), of Dublin, Amanda (Max Buchwalder), of Toledo, OH, Michael (Courtney Melick) of Hartford, CT; brothers Henry J. “Hank” (Barbara) Jr.; sisters Jennie Brummer and Lucille DePerro, grandcat Beemo, and many nieces, nephews, and business colleagues and friends.
Don was a graduate of St. Joe’s Collegiate Institute and Buffalo State University with a BA Degree in Journalism and was proud to spend 35 years of his career as a journalist. He was the past President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and took great pride in having helped grow Chamber membership from 1,200 to nearly 2,500 during his nine-year tenure. He was President and Publisher of Business First in Columbus and Jacksonville. Don was a 2009 inductee into the Buffalo State University Hall of Fame for journalism and media advocacy.
Don was a fierce Buffalo Bills fan and adored the New York Yankees, but he was a lover of all sports and could be found rooting for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Crew. He loved dancing, especially with his wife; the beach, hiking, and golfing with his sons. He loved listening to classic rock, especially Led Zeppelin, with his daughter on long car rides. Above all, Don loved spending time with his family and many friends – even if that just meant having a drink in the Double D Lounge.
Family will receive friends 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Dr. Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Thursday, January 16, at St. Brigid of Kildare, 7179 Avery Rd., Dublin, OH. An additional Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mark's Church, 401 Woodward Avenue, Buffalo, NY at 10:30 on Saturday, January the 18th. Interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Buffalo, NY.
Contributions may be made to CHA Animal Shelter for Don's beloved dog Giuseppe, 3765 Corporate Dr., Columbus, OH 43231, or Mid-Ohio Food Collective, 3960 Brookham Dr., Grove City, OH 43123, in his memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.Schoedinger.com.
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