Donald Hairston

Sr.

Dad's Obituary

Donald Winthrop Hairston, Sr. of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024 at the age of 75.

Donald was born on January 22, 1949 to Randolph and Ethel Hairston in the wonderful city of Englewood, New Jersey. Donald was a rambunctious little boy and gave his parents a run for their money.  He grew up in the Ebenezer Baptist church of Englewood where he was baptized as a youth.  Donald was an only child, but was blessed to grow up in a household with his cousins Cynthia and Wesley who were like an older brother and older sister to him.  He also spent many of his childhood summers in Virginia with extendedfamily which gave him the opportunity to build lasting bonds with his many cousins, aunts, and uncles.  When Donald was in his late teens, his father Randolph remarried and had two daughters, Jackie and Caroline.  Now, Donald was no longer the "little brother," but officially the big brother.

In the late 1960's, Donald met Diane Harris.  They married and that union produced two sons.  Their oldest, Duane Marvin Hairston and their baby boy, Dorian Cornell Hairston.  After several years, Donald and Diane agreed to split amicably and Donald met Carolyn Trusty.  They had 2 sons as well, Donald Winthrop Hairston, Jr. and Jonathan Orlando Hairston.  Clearly there was no shortage of boys to someday carry on the Hairston name.

Donald loved sports.  He played football growing up, but baseball was his favorite.  He introduced his family in the South to stick ball which caught on quickly and became a regular game that was playedat family gatherings.  He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and you would rarely see him without his Yankees cap on.

Donald was employed by the Public Service Electric and Gas company where he spent many years working on gas lines.  After his tenure at PSE&G, he spent a significant number of years working with a friend who owned a fire-retardant business before retiring for good in the early 2000's.

In retirement, Donald spent a lot of time with his best friend, Mo,who was also retired.  Mo had moved to Alabama and Donald would often make road trips to spend time with him for the holidays. Along the way, he would make stops in Virginia, North Carolina, and Louisiana, making visits with friends and family part of the journey.  Once he arrived in Alabama, Donald typically spent Thanksgiving through New Year's Day there which also afforded him the opportunity to escape some of the bitter cold of the Northeast.  Donald very much enjoyed being on the road and would also spendtime traveling the nation with his youngest son, Jonathan, who owned a trucking company that transported cars.

Donald also loved listening to Doo-wop music, watching western films, classic TV sitcoms, and, of course, sports! Over the last 5 years, he began facing many health challenges that required him to make frequent visits to doctors' offices. Through it all, he remained his rambunctious self, always making jokes and flirting with his nurses, home health aides, CNAs, medical transport drivers, etc., etc., etc.  And he would fight with anyone who would dare try to stop him from eating his favorite foods: hot dogs, jelly donuts, and coffee!  Those who knew Donald know that he had to do things his way.  Unfortunately, during this time, he was no longer able to make his beloved road trips. However, he was content being at home surrounded by family and friends, playing cards or chess, watching sports, reminiscing on old times, and, of course busting folks' chops.

Donald is survived by his sisters Jackie and Caroline; sons, Duane, Dorian, Donald Jr., and Jonathan; grandchildren Duane Jr., Livia, and Alyssa, and great-granddaughter, Ariya.  He also leaves to cherish his memory his only surviving aunt, Beatrice Mays; first cousins Frances Lane and Cynthia Jackson; daughters-in-law, Wantha, Andrea, and Dani; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.