In Memory Of
Donald J. Honis
1926
2017
Donald J. Honis
March 8, 1926 — February 12, 2017
Donald J. Honis, age 90, of Clay, NY passed on to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Syracuse, New York.
He was born in Oneida, Pennsylvania to Joseph Honis and Mary (Stoffa) Honis on March 8, 1926.
On August 1, 1944, at the age of 18, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in World War II as a member of the 6th Marine Division, I Company, 3rd Battalion, 29th Marine Regiment in the Battle of Okinawa – the last battle of World War II. Don landed on Okinawa on D-Day, Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945. He was wounded on Half Moon Hill on May 16, 1945 when he was shot while helping move a wounded Marine to safety. Don served in Tsing-Tao, China from October 25, 1945 - July 29, 1946. Don received the Purple Heart; Asiatic-Pacific Citation with 1 Star; China Service Medal Presidential Unit Citation with 1 Star; and Combat Ribbon, WWII. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal on August 12, 1946.
Don graduated from the Syracuse University School of Management in 1961. He worked as an accountant at Die Molding in Cansastota, and retired as Treasurer at Britton Machinery Sales. He was an avid fan of all Syracuse University sports and could recount in detail each SU Football game from the 1959 National Championship season. Don was a member of the Syracuse University Orange Pack Executive Committee, and a former President of the S.U. Wrestling Matmen's Club, and a member of the 6th Marine Division Association.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 46 years, Barbara Dippold Honis, in 2005; his brother Robert Honis; and his granddaughter Rosalie Honis.
Don was blessed with a large and loving family and countless friends. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his children Grant (Janet) Honis of San Diego, California; Susan Hawkins of Marietta, Georgia; Kurt (Maria) Honis of Jamesville, NY; Heidi (Adam) Calhoun of Atlanta, Georgia; and Heather (Tim) Meyer of Cicero; grandchildren Henry (Jazmn) Meyer of Redding, California; Rachel, Benjamin, and Adam Honis of Jamesville; Kevin and Trevor Hawkins of Marietta, Georgia; great-grand granddaughter, Audree Meyer of Redding, California; his "Best Big Brother", Joseph (Vera) Honis of Syracuse; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Donald's family would like to express their gratitude to the Syracuse VA Hospital for their compassionate care.
Calling Hours will take place on Wednesday from 3-7pm at New Comer Funeral Home, 705 N. Main St., N. Syracuse.
Services will be held on Thursday 10am at Grace Evangelical Covenant Church, 5300 Rte. 31, Clay.
Burial will take place at North Syracuse Cemetery with full military honors.
Donations may be made to New Hope Family Services, 3519 James St., Syracuse, NY 13206 in memory of Rosalie Honis.
To share a memory of Donald or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born in Oneida, Pennsylvania to Joseph Honis and Mary (Stoffa) Honis on March 8, 1926.
On August 1, 1944, at the age of 18, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in World War II as a member of the 6th Marine Division, I Company, 3rd Battalion, 29th Marine Regiment in the Battle of Okinawa – the last battle of World War II. Don landed on Okinawa on D-Day, Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945. He was wounded on Half Moon Hill on May 16, 1945 when he was shot while helping move a wounded Marine to safety. Don served in Tsing-Tao, China from October 25, 1945 - July 29, 1946. Don received the Purple Heart; Asiatic-Pacific Citation with 1 Star; China Service Medal Presidential Unit Citation with 1 Star; and Combat Ribbon, WWII. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal on August 12, 1946.
Don graduated from the Syracuse University School of Management in 1961. He worked as an accountant at Die Molding in Cansastota, and retired as Treasurer at Britton Machinery Sales. He was an avid fan of all Syracuse University sports and could recount in detail each SU Football game from the 1959 National Championship season. Don was a member of the Syracuse University Orange Pack Executive Committee, and a former President of the S.U. Wrestling Matmen's Club, and a member of the 6th Marine Division Association.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 46 years, Barbara Dippold Honis, in 2005; his brother Robert Honis; and his granddaughter Rosalie Honis.
Don was blessed with a large and loving family and countless friends. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his children Grant (Janet) Honis of San Diego, California; Susan Hawkins of Marietta, Georgia; Kurt (Maria) Honis of Jamesville, NY; Heidi (Adam) Calhoun of Atlanta, Georgia; and Heather (Tim) Meyer of Cicero; grandchildren Henry (Jazmn) Meyer of Redding, California; Rachel, Benjamin, and Adam Honis of Jamesville; Kevin and Trevor Hawkins of Marietta, Georgia; great-grand granddaughter, Audree Meyer of Redding, California; his "Best Big Brother", Joseph (Vera) Honis of Syracuse; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Donald's family would like to express their gratitude to the Syracuse VA Hospital for their compassionate care.
Calling Hours will take place on Wednesday from 3-7pm at New Comer Funeral Home, 705 N. Main St., N. Syracuse.
Services will be held on Thursday 10am at Grace Evangelical Covenant Church, 5300 Rte. 31, Clay.
Burial will take place at North Syracuse Cemetery with full military honors.
Donations may be made to New Hope Family Services, 3519 James St., Syracuse, NY 13206 in memory of Rosalie Honis.
To share a memory of Donald or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald J. Honis, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
3:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
New Comer Cremations & Funerals
Service
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)
Grace Evangelical Covenant Church
Guestbook
Visits: 3
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