He was born in Yonkers, March 14, 1936 to the late Helen and Patrick Christopher (Detective Sergeant Y.P.D). Don is survived by his wife of sixty years, Barbara Ann, his daughters Kathleen (Alan) Portanova of Yonkers and Andrea (Anthony) Senerchia of New Rochelle. Also survived by three grandchildren, Emily (Portanova) Cioffi and her husband Michael, Christopher and Nicole Senerchia. Don is also survived by his brother Robert and sister Joan Liva. He was predeceased by his sister Patricia Toth and infant granddaughter, Stephanie Senerchia. Don proudly served his country in the United States Army stationed in Germany. He joined the Y.P.D in 1960, working his way through the ranks to Police Commissioner and retiring after thirty eight years of service to the city he loved. Through the years, he received many awards and commendations. He has served as Vice-President of both the Yonkers Captain, Lieutenants and Sergeants Association and the Police Benevolent Association. Don was a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, International Association of Chiefs of Police, New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Holy Name Society and Police and Fire Retirees Association. He also served on the Board of Trustees of St. Joseph’s Medical Center Hospital and nursing home. He also organized several golf tournaments to benefit Rosary Hill. He was Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Municipal Housing Authority. Throughout his police career, he worked closely with the F.B.I. and United States Secret Service. Don was part of the security team protecting Pope Paul II during the Pope’s visit to St. Joseph’s Seminary. Don was a loving husband, father and grandfather and devoted friend to many. He was a dedicated professional and honorable man. He stood by his family and friends and fellow police colleagues through good times and bad. He made a difference in all our lives and made the world a better place. We will miss him terribly. Visiting hours will be in the Whalen & Ball Funeral Home on Tuesday from 7-9pm and Wednesday from 4-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be in Christ the King Church on Thursday at 10am. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Whalen & Ball Funeral Home
168 Park Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10703
(914)965-5488
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