Donald T. Burton, never met a stranger
Donald “Don” T. Burton, 91, a lifelong resident of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, surrounded by his immediate family after a recent illness.
Don was born on Market Street in Lewes, graduated from Rehoboth High School, served in the U.S. Air Force, was a decorated Korean War veteran, and was a master bricklayer, owning Donald Burton Masonry for 40-plus years. Don’s bricklaying craftsmanship can be seen all over Sussex County. He was a loyal Lewes Lions Club member, named in 1998 with the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the highest form of recognition for his many years of dedication and commitment to making the world a better place thru humanitarian service. He was also a faithful member of the Lewes Presbyterian Church. Don never met a stranger. Always smiling and approachable, sharing a story or an ear. He loved people, loved Rehoboth and Lewes, and loved this coastal community. It’s hard to know just how many lives Don touched. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and coach. As a devoted Lewes Little League coach for 15-plus years in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Don thought of each of his players as his own. He loved Lewes Dairy Queen and sitting on Lewes Beach eating his DQ ice cream, admiring the bay view. Don had a passion for sports, especially baseball, golf, and football. He was a huge Phillies and Eagles fan who enjoyed being a wingman on the drive to the games, and what a year it has been for Philadelphia! He was an avid golfer and enjoyed his golf Sundays. Don played the lottery daily and loved hanging with his coffee buddies at Lewes Daily Market, where he was dubbed Dollar Don. He always had a prolific green thumb, and was an avid gardener who enjoyed sharing his harvest. Above all, Don was kind, humble and generous, especially with his time.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Robert C. and Ethel Burton; his eldest brother, Robert “Bob” Burton; and his granddaughter, Kristen Conlin. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Jackie; his children: Donnie (Marye), Marilou Conlin (Brian), Steve (Tracey) and Tracy Zigman (Tony); his grandchildren: Katie Conlin (Jesse), Matt Conlin, CJ Burton (Tommy), Elise Conlin, Hannah Conrad (Zac), Isabella “Izzy” Zigman; and his siblings: Bill (Pat), Wayne (MaryAnn) and Carol Wilson; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 19, at Parsell Funeral Home & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Don’s memory to Lewes Little League, leweslittleleague.com.
Visit Don’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
