Donald E. Modena

Donald E. Modena, 78, of Tallmadge Ohio, passed away August 29, 2015 after a courageous 16-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.  Donald was born to Barney and Melba Modena in West Hartford, Connecticut. 

Donald joined the U.S. Army in 1953 and finished his career as Drill Staff Sergeant and expert marksman until his honorable discharge in 1962.  He enrolled at the University of Connecticut and after two years of college joined the U.S. Army.  After his career in the Army, he moved to Akron and finished his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the University of Akron. He then joined the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company remaining there until his retirement in 1999.

He loved reading, word puzzles, trivia, music and most importantly, watching Jeopardy every evening. He was most proud of his service to our country and his military career.   Anyone who talked with Don knew how much he valued his time spent in the service.  Donald will be sadly missed by his loving wife and caregiver whose devotion to his care greatly improved his quality of life while battling this disabling disease. 

He was preceded in death by parents, Barney and Melba Modena and first wife Grace.  He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Lillian; sister, Catherine Modena of Connecticut; son, Donald (Anne) Modena; daughters, Gina Jones; Lara (David) Runion: stepson, Anthony (Jan) Panella; stepdaughter, Deborah (John) Dvorak: 12 grandchildren; Mary, Matthew, Adam, Hannah, Eric, Sage, Danny, Erika, Ali, Tom, Ben, Maria; two great grandchildren; Riley and Savannah and many nieces and nephews. We would also like to thank the entire staff at Heather Knoll Nursing Center and all the home health care aids that cared for Don over the years.

Visitation will be 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2015 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave., (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle)

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m.  Friday September 4, 2015, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 83 Mosser Place Akron, with Rev. Edward A. Burba officiating.

Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by Mogadore VFW Post 8487.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Buckeye Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/OHA

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