Donald Davey

Dr. Donald A. Davey, age 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Westlake Woods.

He was born in Erie, PA, July 1, 1920, the son of the late Lydia Ann Davey and William Arthur Davey. He was a graduate of East High School in the class of 1938. As a youth, he loved his paper route of 3 ½ years for the old Erie Dispatch Newspaper. After graduation, he worked at the Boston Store, Keystone Dental Lab and the General Electric Co. He played softball for three different teams and basketball at Tenth Street Methodist Church.

On March 11th, 1942, he was inducted into the US Army, completing basic training at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. He was chosen to attend Officers Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant on October 9th, 1942. On October 14th, 1942, he married Gladys W. Paull. After serving in the States, he served in Normandy, arriving at Omaha Beach, as a replacement officer, on his 24th birthday-3 years to the date from the time he registered for the draft. Donald was assigned as Platoon Leader in Co. L, 358th Inf. Regiment, 90th Division. In the vicinity of Periers, France, near the Seres River, he was seriously wounded in action on July 26th, 1944. He subsequently retired as a 1st Lieutenant on June 25th, 1945. He received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Jubilee of Normandy Award and other medals.

Donald attended Gannon College and the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dentistry, graduating in 1951. He practiced dentistry in Erie for 35 years and was a Lifetime member of the Erie County, Ninth District, Pennsylvania State and American Dental Associations, as well as the Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity. Dr. Davey was President of the Erie County Dental Association in 1961 and President of the Ninth District-Dental Association of PA from 1964-1965, during its centennial year.

In his younger years, he was active in bowling, golfing, snow and water skiing. He was a certified diver and enjoyed diving in the waters locally and off the coast of Florida and the Caribbean. His first love was boating and picnics with family and friends at the Peninsula, particularly the annual 4th of July event, in addition to their passion for hosting their always memorable Thanksgiving party for the past 59 years.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, a member of the Lawrence Lodge No. 708 F.&A.M., Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Erie, and Commodore of the Zem Zem Zailors (1981). Dr. Davey was a past member of the Lakeshore Country Club, the Kahkwa Club, East Erie Turners, Danish Club, and was a current member of the American Legion, the Erie Yacht Club, and the Erie Maennerchor Club.

Dr. Davey was proud to have served on the Archives Committee of East High School as Secretary-Treasurer of the Class of 1938. Due to their efforts, the original cornerstone from the old East High School (1919), as well as many other artifacts, were preserved and incorporated into the new East High School.

Our dad and grandfather was a prince of a man, who provided wise counsel, advice and guidance to family and friends until the end. He was known for his love and devotion to his family, generosity, and his always encouraging, caring, and uplifting attitude. He was truly loved by all who knew him well.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Gladys W. Paull “Pug” Davey, in 2011, his son Scott A. Davey, in 2005, brothers William and Herbert, and his sister Evelyn Michaels.

He is survived by a daughter, Donelle Ann Davey, grandson Justin Davey Mando and his wife Marika and their daughter, Nella; grandson, Jeremy Davey Mando; granddaughter Hillary Davey Hirsch and husband Paul; and sister, Lydia Asplund. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call at Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street at Powell Avenue, on Friday, January 23rd from 3 pm to 7 pm, and attend services on Saturday the 24th at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 247 West 6th Street with Reverend Timm High officiating. Burial after the service at Erie Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the director, Susan Evans, and remarkable staff at Westlake Woods for their kind, compassionate and loving care of Dr. Davey. We also wish to thank the Regional Home Health Services Hospice Team for their wonderful care and support of Dr. Davey during these past months. Most of all, the family expresses gratitude to all the caring friends and family who brightened up so many of Donald’s final months and days.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505, or the Masonic Learning Center, 4701 Old Zuck Rd., Erie PA 16506.