Donald L. Biesecker, Sr., 95, of Waynesboro, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025 after experiencing medical complications from a recent hospitalization.
Born August 13, 1929 in Waynesboro, he was the son of the late Ira B. and Pauline (Snyder) Biesecker. Other than the five years he lived in Washington D.C. as a young teen, Don was a lifelong resident of the Waynesboro area, graduating from Waynesboro High School with the Class of 1948.
Don and his wife, the late Katherine “Kate” (Miller) Biesecker, were married on Easter Day of April 9, 1950, and enjoyed 77 years of friendship together building a life that focused on their family, home and work. They were high school sweethearts since 1948 and stayed in constant contact even after Don moved to Shook Home in Chambersburg in January 2022. Kate passed away January 5, 2025.
Don made his living as a carpenter and mason, working for Callas Contractors in Hagerstown, MD until his retirement in 1994. He was an extremely talented builder, constructing his own 2-car garage with attached woodshop, and remodeling his kitchen after retiring. Don could fix just about anything he put his mind to. His family members regularly called upon him for multiple projects, and he generously shared his handyman skills and time with neighbors. Don even enjoyed assisting with Cub Scout projects for badgework and derby car racing.
Don was an avid sports fan and athlete throughout his life. Having played both basketball and football at Waynesboro High School, he joined the semi-professional football team, The Waynesboro Tigers in the early 1950s. He could often be found sporting a baseball cap hailing either the Waynesboro Indians, Baltimore Orioles, or Washington Redskins (“Commanders”). Don was one of the most loyal Waynesboro fans for all the high school teams. He so enjoyed going to games with “my friends”, and could be found most Friday autumn nights under the lights at the 50-yard line or courtside at basketball games into his early 90s.
Don was an extremely curious person. His children have fond members of him just sitting in his chair perusing the World Book Encyclopedia and Popular Mechanics Magazine. He loved to watch documentaries and was a real fan of history. Don was always available to teach his children, support them in all their various activities, or shuffle them back and forth to colleges and various residences throughout their lives. He never allowed his son and daughters to drive until they could show him they knew how to change a tire! Don was a lover of music … he especially enjoyed listening to Elvis, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Reba McIntire, as well as many others. He could easily break into song, tapping his feet and clicking his fingers. One of his fondest memories was attending a Nat King Cole concert at the Farm Show Arena with Kate. He loved to hear the piano being played in his home for a private vocal concert. Don was also a fine amateur dancer, fondly recalling gym classes devoted to dance steps in his school days. He was always supportive of any performing arts endeavors, encouraging neighbors to support school musical productions, “you’re missing the best show in town tonight if you don’t go!”
Don appreciated all his community had to offer and was eager to give back. He was a member of Waynesboro YMCA, Alexander Hamilton Memorial Library, Renfrew Museum, Waynesboro Tigers Alumni, WA Industrial Trust, and active volunteer with Waynesboro Hospital Auxilary, willing to help out in any way, including during its annual wreath-making event.
For all this, Don most loved and enjoyed his family, passing on an intense joy of being alive, working hard, persevering, and appreciating the seemingly miraculous nature of things. Don could strike up a conversation with just about anyone from any walk of life. A great storyteller himself, he was a well of historical memories, which included his time in DC witnessing Rossevelt’s funeral procession, serving aboard a Sea Scout ship in full view of President Harry Truman on the Sequoia, lamenting the segregation on public busses, and riding his bike through the grounds of the Capitol Building. He had hoped to make it to 100, and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by four children: daughter, Carroll Biesecker of Vineyard Haven, MA, son, Donald L. Biesecker, Jr. and his wife, Billie of Waynesboro, daughter, Jean Biesecker and her husband, Paul DiLorenzo of Bala Cynwyd, PA, and Laura Biesecker and her husband, Craig Coulter of Waynesboro; five grandchildren: Amanda Staley (Matt), Liam Coulter, Aidan Coulter, Emma Coulter and Quinn Coulter; two sisters, Patricia Gardenhour and Rayetta Myers; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and beloved wife, he was preceded in death by two grandsons, Joshua T. Biesecker and Chad A. Biesecker; one brother, Eugene Biesecker; and one sister, Carolyn Motter.
Private graveside services will be held for immediate family at Green Hill Cemetery, Waynesboro. A Celebration of Don & Kate’s Life is being planned for the late spring/early summer of 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alexander Memorial Library of Waynesboro, PA are appreciated.
Arrangements are by Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro.
