Donald N. LaLone

Donald Norman LaLone of Preston, MD died on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, at the age of 80. Born April 30, 1927 in West Carthage, New York, he was the son of the late Norman Jay and Myrtle White LaLone. After graduating from West Carthage High School in 1945, he served in the U.S. Army. He spent over 28 years as a Master Mechanic and Service/Parts Manager at Massey Ferguson in Antwerp, NY and then Tidewater Tractors in MD. Donald was very enterprising. While in Belgium, he worked for the U.S. Army Colonel in the Public Affairs Office. In 1946, he started the Service Club for the non-commissioned offices (GIs) by forming an orchestra, sponsoring movies, and organizing dances with help from the CSO. This launched his interest in organizing and starting the Antwerp NY Drum and Bugle Corp. The New York State Legislature passed a bill to recognize the Antwerp NY Drum and Bugle Corpâ€™s 50th Anniversary in July, 2006, and specifically noted Donald LaLoneâ€™s contribution as a founding member and the original director. Don was an active member of the Easton Church of the Nazarene. Donations in his memory may be sent to the church at 403 Hollyday Street, Easton, MD 21601. Donâ€™s life was devoted to his wife and children. He demonstrated the highest integrity, Christian values and loyalty to his family, church, friends, and co-workers. He was loved and admired by his wife, children, family and all who knew him. Mr. LaLone is survived by his wife of 57 years, the former Helen Weller; six children, John LaLone and his wife Janet, Vicki (LaLone) Dolinger and her husband Philip, Gary LaLone and his wife Betty, David LaLone and his wife Susan, Timothy LaLone and his wife Jeaneen, and Jerry LaLone and his wife Donna; two brothers Clifford and Harold LaLone; two sisters, Dorothy Bloss and Beulah Neuroth; twenty-three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one brother, Clarence (Red) LaLone. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 28, 2008 at 11:00 AM at the Easton Church of the Nazarene. Friends may call on Sunday, January 27, 2008 from 4 to 6 PM at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, 200 South Harrison Street, Easton MD 21601. Burial will be at the West Rural Cemetery, Lowville, New York in May 2008.