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Donald J. 'Don' Pasquini

01/20/1934 - 11/20/2023

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Obituary For Donald J. 'Don' Pasquini

Donald Joseph Pasquini was born to Julie Sedlak and Elbrando (Brandy) Pasquini in Dobbs Ferry, New York. He was the first of four children.

Don grew up in Ardsley, New York, with his parents, sisters Cookie and Brenda and brother Steve. He attended Ardsley High School. While in high school Don enjoyed playing on the school's baseball team. As a senior he earned a .350 batting average. He was known by his coach and his teammates as the batter who could and would hit the ball throughout the field, which kept his opponents on their toes. Don graduated from Ardsley High School in June 1952.

After graduation, he started first at Stauffer Chemical Company. Don was also offered a position at the Carvel Company as a graphic designer. He eventually worked as a carpenter. But Don's real interests since childhood were in military history and service. He dreamed of a bigger life and soon found his true professional calling when he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953.

Don’s first Air Force assignment took him to Bitburg, Germany. He trained and became fully certified as an aircraft maintenance sergeant specializing in the F-86 fighter aircraft. Don learned to speak german and met the love of his life, Erika Lang. They were married and spent many happy days in Germany.

Don and Erika's next assignment took them to Tripoli, Africa, where they welcomed their first child, Steve, into the family. After the tour of duty in Africa Don and Erika went on to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where their second child, Mike, joined the family.

Don continued his busy Air Force career in South Dakota, California, England, and Southeast Asia. Through many years of hard work Don broadened his knowledge and became an expert in C-130, KC-135, F-5, and B-52 aircraft. Don was a true professional airman and was awarded the both the Air Force Commendation and the National Defense Service Medals.

Don proudly served his country for twenty-four years in the Air Force at bases around the globe. He retired on June 30, 1976.

While visiting friends in Southern California he began his next chapter in life and settled in San Bernardino, California. Don became a real estate professional and enjoyed working with Gene Mobley at Rainbow Realty and later with the Boyd family at Boyd Realtors. Don thrived for more than four decades and cherished the countless friendships he made through the real estate business. He even earned his degree in Business Management from Valley College while working full time.

Don enjoyed the many special friendships he made through business and social life in San Bernardino. But he thoroughly enjoyed working with the Boyd family. Not only did they assist people with their real estate transactions but they always enjoyed good company and conversations about the military and politics.

Don is survived by Erika, his two sons Steve and Mike, his sister Angela and her husband Angelo Iurato, his brother Steve and his wife Beverly, many nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Don will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Black Hills National Cemetery. He is lovingly missed and will always be in our hearts.

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Services

11 Jul

Committal service

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Black Hills National Cemetery 20901 Pleasant Valley Dr Sturgis, SD 57785 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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  • 07/11/2024

    Don will be missed by many, was part of our Real Estate family for many years in San Bernardino California at Boyd Realtors. Deepest sympathy to his lovely family. Your friend always Steve Boyd

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