Formerly of Mount Lebanon and born in Worcester, MA on July 30, 1932, passed away in Sarasota, FL on Sunday, July 15, 2018. Don was the son of the late Patrick James and Annie Marie (Shannon) McNamara, both of County Clare, Ireland. After graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Chemical Engineering, he married Barbara Avery, with whom he raised 5 children and shared the next 62 years.
Following a brief service in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps, he worked with Exxon Chemical and US Steel, before branching out on his own to form a successful manufacturer’s rep business, Tara Chemical Company. Don was generous and reserved, with a dry sense of humor and a sharp wit. He provided a proper and loving upbringing for his family in Mt.
Lebanon. A longtime Steelers season-ticket holder and an avid Pirates and Penguins fan, Don enjoyed taking family and friends to games and talking Pittsburgh sports. He also followed his kids and grandkids from the wrestling mat and tennis court, to soccer and baseball fields, school concerts and the like.
Every year, Don and Barb hosted memorable holiday celebrations and summer getaways to Hampton Beach, NH and Avalon, NJ. As an ardent golfer, he and myriad cronies equally enjoyed measuring their ball striking prowess at the preeminent courses across the country, as well as their putting skills on the greens of the local 9 hole with a yips inducing quarter at stake. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Eleanor (Avery) McNamara; daughters Theresa Piccirillo and Catherine Rust; sons Steve (Lina) McNamara and James McNamara; and grandchildren Robert Piccirillo, Laura Piccirillo, Kate McNamara, Sean McNamara, Tommy McNamara, Megan Rust, Sarah Rust, Billy Rust and Shane McNamara.
Don was preceded in death by his youngest son John McNamara in 2010, half brother William Lynch, sisters Marjorie Tinsley and Marie Shea and niece Marie Barylick. His love and loyalty extended to all family members, and he is also survived by niece Suzanne Tinsley Cohen, and nephews Frank Shea, Donald Shea and Craig O’Tier. Friends will be welcomed at Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes, 222 Washington Road, Mount Lebanon on Wednesday, July 25th from 2-4 and 6-8 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Bernard Church, Thursday morning July 26th at 10 o’clock. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215.
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