Donald Robert "Don" Mallon, Sr.'s Obituary
Donald R Mallon, Sr. of Mount Dora, FL passed away on Friday, November 29, 2013 at the age of 83 years. He was born in Ferndale, Michigan to Theodore Albert and Ida Augustine Mallon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Theodore Mallon and Elmer Mallon and his sisters, Leona Otto and Vera Ziolkowski. Donald proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University in Indiana. After receiving his degree, he worked in advertising at the Jam Handy Organization – it was there that he met the love of his life Dottie, whom he married in 1957. Later he became an advertising account executive at Campbell Ewald and at Young & Rubicam. In 1971, Don received an invitation from his brother Ted Mallon, to succeed him as owner of Mallon Chevrolet in Norwich,Ct. Don eagerly accepted this opportunity and moved his family from West Bloomfield, MI to Norwich later that same year. Following Ted’s death in 1978, he became dealer/operator of Don Mallon Chevrolet and successfully served in that role for 26 years until his retirement in 2004. Don was a devout member of St Luke Lutheran Church in Gales Ferry for 38 years. In 2002, Don discovered Mt Dora, FL and soon became a member of the St, Philip Lutheran Church of Mt Dora in 2010 after becoming a FL resident. He loved golf and was an avid sports fan – with his favorite teams being the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions and the UConn Huskies.
Don’s love of family was always a driving force in his life and he is remembered by all for his warmth, generosity and genuine interest in other people. Don will be dearly missed by his wife of 56 years, Dottie; son, Donald “Chip” Mallon, Jr. and his wife, Kelly of Norwich; daughter, Laura Mallon and her partner, Elizabeth Lopez of Soquel, CA and two grandchildren, Jennifer Mallon and Chelsea Mallon, both of Norwich.
A memorial ceremony will be held in the near future in Connecticut.
In lieu of flowers, Don had requested donations be made to either church or to National Jewish Hospital in Denver, CO.
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