Donald Raymond Post was born on January 21, 1951 to Raymond and Mary Ellen (Lane) Post in Binghampton, New York. He passed away on June 8, 2021 in Largo, Florida at the age of 70.

Family

Don was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother Roger and sister Brenda. Additionally, Don is survived by his wife Susan (Boyce) Post to whom he was married to for 48 years. Don and Susan met on Christmas Day of 1971, while he was home on leave. In less than a month, they were engaged and then married when he returned from his military assignment the next August. As a military couple, they travelled the world together, moving when needed to support their country. He is also survived by daughter Christy (Andy) Rissin; son Doc (Mandy) Post; grandchildren Nate Rissin, Gabe Rissin, Allie Rissin, and Avery Post; brother Gary (Cindy) Post, Joel (Jane) Post, Larry (Brenda) Post; sisters Janette Post, and Marlene (Ned) McGrady as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Life

Don became a father when he was only 22 himself. He beamed with pride as he held his first child, a daughter. When he had a son three years later, he couldn’t have been more proud.  As a father, he cooked, cleaned and took on an equal share of the parenting. He wanted to a part of every aspect of his children’s lives. He coached his children’s teams and cheered loudly so that everyone knew which athlete was his child. As his children grew into adults with children of their own, he was always just a phone call away for advice and jokes. He often had a twinkle in his eye as he heard the stories his children shared with their children that so resembled his own parenting experiences.

Being a grandfather was an even greater joy! His grandchildren ran to him with enthusiasm when he visited, so excited to see their Pop-Pop who would play and with them and make them laugh.  He also laughed and derived great enjoyment when he knew he might be spoiling the grandkids just a bit. He taught his grandchildren golf and how to drive, while also showing them his giving spirit and unending love.

As a brother, growing up, he was mischievous. I’ll let his siblings share the tales. As an adult, he took his role of the eldest brother to heart. He loved his big family with seven siblings, their spouses and all of his brother and sister in-laws. He loves his dozens of nieces and nephews and many, many cousins.

He was always quick to say, “I love you” to his family, leaving no doubt how much he loved and cared about them.

Don spent a career serving in the military, traveling all over the world. He spent his time in the military in many roles. He spoke fondly of all the times he was able to help soldiers and their families. He retired as a Master Sergeant. After he retired, he worked in many other roles, including working at the Veteran’s Administration and in real estate. Throughout his careers, he always took special care of Veterans and their families.

He was an avid sports fan. He brought his passion of sports, whether he was at the stadium or at home, contributing his spirit from afar. A tremendous thanks to the Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their incredible sports years. It was an absolute joy to see his favorite teams do so well in such a crazy 2020 year.

He started playing golf later in life and it became a passion. On the last Thursday before he passed he had a personal best 72 round of golf. Everyone got to hear about it!

While he focused on his golf game and the joy it brought, he also was an avid reader and was studying Spanish to learn a new language. Earlier in his life, he had worked hard to get his Bachelor’s Degree while serving in the military and raising a family. He never stopped learning and shared his love of learning with his children and grandchildren.

Don also had a giver’s heart. In addition to coaching for his children and grandchildren’s teams, he served in many roles in his church and his community. He was committed to veteran’s charities and work. If anyone needed a hand, he was ready and willing to help.

Military

Don enlisted in the United States Army on March 31, 1970 in Syracuse, New York and served until April 30, 1990 where his last duty assignment was at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he finally retired after 20 years of service. Donald received numerous promotions during his career and found himself in the top 2% of Army enlisted men at the end of his career. At the time of his retirement Donald was eligible to wear the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, six Good Conduct Awards, the National Defense Service Medal, three Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, the Army Service Ribbon, three overseas service ribbons, as well as his designation as an expert with the M-16 on his uniform.

Services

A funeral for Donald Raymond  Post is scheduled for Friday, June 11, 2021 at Ranchero Village Chapel. A public visitation will begin at 11:00 am and the funeral ceremony with Pastor Tom Hamilton will begin at 12:00 pm. A graveside service with military honors provided by the United States Army is scheduled for Monday, June 14, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Florida National Cemetery. All guests planning on attending the graveside service should plan to arrive at Florida National by 12:30 pm.

Special Acknowledgments

In lieu of flowers the Post family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars or Operation Toy Soldier.

Friends, family, and those who served with Donald are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.