Obituary of Donald Lara

Donald Michael Lara, Sr. September 21, 1938 ? June 9, 2011 Hurleyville, New York Donald M. Lara, Sr. 72, died Thursday June 9, 2011 after a short, brave battle with cancer. He was a kind, generous, humble man with a zest for life, family and friends. He had a quiet loving nature and patient even temperament about him and was loved and respected by his family, friends, coworkers and really all that knew him. He was affectionately referred to as ?Pops? or ?Papa Don?. Some of the passions that enjoyed were good food, family holiday gatherings, going for walks on the beach, Mets Baseball, stopping at Gio?s and being the family grill master. He was a Facilities Supervisor for Monticello Gaming and Raceway and was the former locksmith for the Concord Hotel. Don was born in Brooklyn on September 21, 1938 to the late Michael M. and Sarah Beattie Lara. Don was married to Mary Helen Winfield and celebrated 52 years of marriage on December 15, 2010. Survivors include his wife, Mary H. Lara; his children; Michael W. Lara and his wife Jennifer of Mechanicsville, VA; Donna M. Walter and her husband Raymond of Harleysville, NY; Richard W. Lara and his wife Tammy of Monticello, NY, Donald M. Lara Jr. and his wife Samantha of Masten Lake, NY; his sister Barbara Ann Whittaker and her husband Dr. John Whittaker of Jacksonville, FL: eight grandchildren, Amanda Lara, Shannon Lara, Daniel Walter, Christopher Walter, Matthew Lara, Desirea Lara, Gavin Lara and Sophie Lara; two great grandchildren, Lillian Betancourt, Angelina Lara-Jones and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 4-6 pm on Sunday June 12, 2011. A funeral Mass will be held 10 am on Monday, June 13, 2011 at St. Peters Church, Monticello, NY; interment will follow at St. Peter?s Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff of Sullivan County Adult Care Center and Hospice for their excellent loving care and especially Missy and a special thanks to Maurtha and Kathy from Sullivan County Hospice. Donations in Donald's name may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements were under the direction of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home; for further information please call 845-434-7363 or visit or website at www.colonialbryantfuneralhome.com.