Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Donald Degani Obituary
He was born January 6, 1929 in Durango, CO to John & Mary Degani. Don was the oldest of two children. He was raised in Allison, CO and helped on the family farm. Don was very athletic in high school and enjoyed playing football and baseball. Don was the starting quarterback for DHS his senior year. After high school, he was invited by the Boston Red Sox to try out at their Albuquerque training camp.
Don attended the University of Colorado from 1947 to 1951 where he received his pharmacy degree. He received an induction notice from the army in 1952 and served as a cryptographer in Seoul, South Korea. Don married Marie Turner in 1956. In 1962 he bought into Parsons Drug in Durango, CO, eventually buying his partners out in 1970. The iconic store on 9th and Main closed September 21, 1991. Don's interests included fishing and hunting. Don had a great sense of humor and he was a kind and generous man who loved helping his fellow neighbors and friends. He is survived by his sister Geraldine Brown, Columbia S.C., two children Gary Degani & Dee Ann Baer, six grandchildren (Dylan Degani, Karissa Degani, Callie Degani, Brianne Shiflett, Erin Baer, Braden Baer), and one great grandson (Daniel Degani).
Funeral services will be held on Friday April 23, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (254 E Fifth Ave) Durango, CO at 10:00 AM. Burial services following at Greenmount Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Degani
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
5 Entries
Scott Graham
April 30, 2021
Condolences to you and your family, Dee Ann. Your father was a kind and good man for whom I had a lot of respect.
Ann Satariano
April 26, 2021
Such a nice man. We missed him here.
Mike Berger
April 22, 2021
I worked with Don after he sold Parsons. He was a prankster. Don told me about the many Practical jokes he was now for. I would like to mention a couple. The one about the dead skunk that was mailed around town to certain Friends of his. There was also one about the add in the newspaper that was run right after Christmas. " Please leave your old Christmas trees in my front yard, and give one of his Friends address. Don said they were to be used as fish habitat. The neighbor had no idea. There were also several pranks pulled on at Plaza Pharmacy by JS. I hope JS sees this and posts them. I would pick him up to go to Arboles and Allison to manage local Praire dog Populations. We also went fishing often. He will always be in my memory. I was telling one of my coworkers some of these pranks the day before he passed,. Coincidence Maybe?
Sweetie Marbury
April 22, 2021
Don was such a good person and helped me when my baby was sick . He opened the pharmacy early so I could get the medicine for my baby . He walked in my neighborhood and I talked with him before he moved . I’m grateful to know him . Don was kind and thoughtful. Durango was lucky to have him in our community.
Don was a role model for all .
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Dr. Don Contreras, DCN., MD., FAAD
April 19, 2021
Mr. Degani was always a gentleman of the highest qualities of sincerity.....gentle kindness.....and....always reflected his Catholic faith by his actions.
Dee Ann, I hope you remember me, but I was your classmate and will offer my prayers for your father's eternal rest AND reward in heaven, that he generously earned.
Sincerely in Christ's love,
Dr. Don Contreras, MD. DCN.
ABQ., NM, 87109
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Donald Degani's name
Memorial Events
for Donald Degani
People and places connected with Donald
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Donald's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Degani's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
