Donald B Jeffries , VRHS Class of 1946
RENSSELAER Donald B. Jeffries, 88, entered into eternal life on July 29, 2016, at home surrounded by family. Donald was born in Albany on February 25, 1928, and was the son of the late Clarence H. and Beulah H. Vander Veer Jeffries, He was the husband of the late Jean (Teator) Jeffries with whom he shared 58 years of marriage before her passing in 2008. A graduate of Van Rensselaer High School. Don enlisted in the Navy, and proudly served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Medal, victory medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the American Theatre medal. Donald resided in Rensselaer all of his life, He was employed by Oneida and Dorn's trucking. He was a member and past treasurer for Local 294 of the Teamsters Union. After that he was a chauffeur for Governor Mario Cuomo's Counsel Evan Davis for five years. He was a lifetime member of the Fort Crailo American Legion, where he was a past commander, chaplain and was in the Color Guard for the Yankee Doodle Band of the Legion. He was also a life member of the Rensselaer Elks BPOE 2073 and always gave a helping hand in the kitchen when needed. A special thank you to his sister Donna Durand and his nephew Bill and his wife Terry Cleary for their loving care and support during this very difficult time. Today the world lost another World War II veteran and a truly great man. He was always there for many in their time of need. He will be missed by all of his buddies from the Local 294 and their breakfasts at Westgate diner; also his friends from the American Legion, Elks and the Paddock. In addition to his parents and his wife, Donald was also predeceased by his sister, Joan; his brothers, Clarence and Lester; and his brothers-in-law, William Cleary, Thomas Durand, Stan Pytell; and his sisters-in-law, Marion, Betty and Lillian Pytell. Don is survived by his brother, Gary (Marian) Jeffries Sr.; sisters, Barbara(Charlie) Stock, Donna Mae Durand. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Interment will be in the Memory's Garden cemetery Colonie.