Donald L. Thurman

Donald L. Thurman of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 28, 2022 with his children by his side.   He was born in Buffalo, NY, on June 5, 1930, the son of the late Leonard and Marie [Nowe] Thurman.  He grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario and was a graduate of Canisius High School.  He moved his family to Niagara Falls, NY in May of 1966.

Mr. Thurman received his education in the field of banking and finance from North Western University and was a Regional Vice President and Senior Trust Officer with Marine Midland Bank, which became HSBC, for over 38 years before retiring in 1990.  He served on the Board of Directors, Board of Associates and the Finance Committee of Mt. St. Mary's Hospital for over 40 years and was instrumental in securing the financing for the building of Our Lady of Peace.   He was also the Director of Catholic Charities for many years, was a member of the Rotary Club Niagara and the 1-3 Men’s Lunch Club, along with several other organizations.

He was an avid golfer most of his life and at the age of 80 he achieved his lifelong dream by obtaining his private pilot’s license.

Music played a very large part in his life and for many years you could find him on Saturday evening singing the National Anthem before the NU basketball games, often showing up in a tuxedo because of a special evening out with his wife.  He was a regular leading man in many musicals performed at the Niagara Falls Little Theater, the Grantham Operatic Society in St. Catharines and could be found at many of the performances done by his sons, The Thurman Brothers.

He was one of the founding members of the Niagara Falls Alumni Over 30 Hockey League and the Damn Yankees.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years, Theresa R. (McNulty) Thurman in July 2006.  He was the grandfather of the late Michelle Thurman and brother of the late John Thurman.

Mr. Thurman is survived by his nine children Paul (Colleen), David (Kate), Jack (fiancée Cathy Ruggiero), Randy (Anita), Robert (Cheryl), Patrick (Briana), Karen Thurman, MaryAnne Francemone (Stephen Hart), and Lynne (Daniel) Kanfoush, 22 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, expected in June, also several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Drs. Fast, Fiorica, Reddy and the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, McAuley Residence and the MICU at ECMC for the compassionate and loving care they extended to Mr. Thurman over the last several months.

His family will be present on Sunday, April 3,  from 2-8 PM, at The RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 901 Cayuga Street, LEWISTON,  NY.  Friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Raphael Parish, 3831 Macklem Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, with the Rev. Ivan Skenderovic officiating.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made in his name to Catholic Charities.

Interment in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.

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