NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — Deacon Donald R. Dashnaw, age 81, born to Raymond and Mary Dashnaw in Morrisonville, N.Y., left this world to be with the Lord on Thursday, Feb. 28 2013, after losing his courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family and died peacefully.
He is survived by his wife, Leona; daughters Donna Shelters and husband Dennis and Debbie Holbrook and husband Tom, all of North Charleston; six sons, Richard Dashnaw and wife Susan from Florida; Paul Dashnaw and wife Linda; Edward Dashnaw and wife Holly of North Charleston; Thomas Dashnaw and wife Linda of Potsdam N.Y., Alfred Dashnaw and wife Jeannie of Ridgeville; Peter Dashnaw and wife Cheryl of Summerville, S.C. Deacon Dashnaw's surviving siblings are brother, Roland and wife Carolyn Dashnaw and sister, Doris and husband Raymond Turbide, all of Plattsburgh, N.Y. Deacon is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
He was pre-deceased by daughter Elizabeth Winser of Summerville, S.C.
Raised in Morrisville, N.Y., Deacon Dashnaw was a Korean War veteran where he served with the United States Army. He was educated in various colleges and universities. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Plattsburgh State University, continued on to his studies at Albany StateUniversity and on to Clarkson University in upstate New York to receive his degree in Chemistry. After moving to Charleston for retirement, he studied more and received his Doctorate in Education from Kennedy Western. His most memorable scholastic achievement was being ordained a Catholic Deacon in Ogdensburg, N.Y. The last 27 years as a Deacon, he showed devotion to the Lord through his Catholic faith and service. His life work ranged from working with chemicals at Ayerst labs in Rouses Point, N.Y., to teaching high school chemistry in Peru, N.Y., and even doing instruction for Trident Technical College in Charleston, S.C. For many years, while supporting his large family, he sold life and health insurance for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Plattsburgh, all while doing part-time studies to attain his degrees. Before retiring to Charleston, his last employ was as Chaplain for Dannemora State Prison in upstate New York, where he ministered to the inmates, which was very rewarding for him, as he was fulfilling his deacon duty to the Lord in ministering to those inmates. He continued his deacon duties for Divine Redeemer Catholic Church and school in Hanahan, S.C.
He will be missed by many.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, 1106 Fort Drive Hanahan, SC 29406. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, at the church. Burial will follow in Carolina Memorial Park, North Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, 1106 Fort Drive, Hanahan, SC 29406, or to Piedmont Hospice, 501A DeAnna Lane, Charleston, SC 29492.
Services provided by Carolina Memorial Park, Funerals and Cremations 7113 Rivers Ave. North Charleston, SC 29406. (843)797-2222. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.carolinamemorial.com.
