Obituary

Donald Frank Foley, 89, a resident of Mesa, Arizona, died November 27, 2021, at home, surrounded by his loving family, following a long illness.

Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on October 16, 1932, he was the son of Frank Noble and Ethel Primrose Oickle Foley. He was educated in the Pittsfield Schools and joined the military. He was a Korean War veteran having proudly served his country in the United States Army, 2nd Infantry Division, 9th Infantry Regiment Tank Company.

After completing his military service, Don returned to Pittsfield and was employed by Canteen Food Services and the General Electric Company before moving to Connecticut where he worked as a master pipefitter for the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, CT., building nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy. Following his retirement, he moved to Mesa where he spent the past 35 years enjoying his hobbies and desert life.

Don met the love of his life, Rosalie Ida Rettstatt, and they were married August 16, 1952 in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Pittsfield. They recently celebrated their 69^th wedding anniversary.

Don was a licensed amateur radio operator and enthusiast and was known world-wide by his radio handle, “The Rocky Mountain Canary.” He also was an avid movie watcher and especially enjoyed movies involving John Wayne, Bob Hope and other classic film stars. He was a fan of early era country and western music, too.

Don was a very loving, practicable and hardworking man who was devoted to his family. He was an outgoing person who especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He used his wonderful sense of humor and philosophical insights to guide his family through life’s unpredictable events.

He is survived by his wife Rosalie, a son Donald F. Foley, Jr. of Phoenix and his daughters Deborah D. Meyer and Elizabeth L. Foley of Mesa, Mrs. Rebecca R. Sheehan and husband Brian, of North Easton, MA, and Mrs. Naomi Pennington and husband Gale of Durango, CO., grandchildren Rebecca R. Dennis-Meyer, Dr. Monica R. Meyer, Sophie N. Foley, Frank B. Foley, Shelby R. Foley, Brenton J. Sheehan, Erin G. Tatro, Dr. Kelly J. Sheehan, Christina H. Carr, Gerry M. Carr, Matthew S. Carr, Ashley D. Godfrey, Brett C. Foley, Cody C. Smith and 11 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. The family would especially like to thank members of the Walter & Carol Seluke family, whom have been close family friends for over 70 years.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Ellis C. and Robert V. Foley and his sisters, Mrs. Jean P. Berry and Mrs. Dorothy I. Smith and a daughter, Stephanie Jean Foley-Carr.

His family would like to express their appreciation to the V.A. visiting nurses who provided excellent care and to Assisteo Hospice for their kindness and compassion in the final days of his life.

The funeral will be private and there will be no calling hours. Burial will be in the Canaan, NY cemetery at the convenience of the family.  A celebration of Don’s life is being planned at which time family and friends will be able to attend this special service.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by A Wise Choice Cremation & Funeral Services, Apache Junction, AZ