Obituary of Donald Edward Desrosiers

Donald Edward Desrosiers of Simi Valley, CA was peacefully called home by his loving Savior on Sept 2, 2024. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord.” Mt 25:23

Born Oct 29, 1935, in Willimantic CT to Olive (Voyer) and Ernest J Desrosiers of St Cloud, Canada, Donald attended Windham High and Windham Regional Tech School in Willimantic before enlisting in the USAF. He was stationed in Korea as part of the 9th Transportation Squadron and completed his service at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID.

He relocated his parents from CT to El Segunda, CA, helping them become established before marrying the love of his life, Margaret Nafziger, July 1963. They settled in Simi Valley and built a loving home to raise their family. He was blessed with a long, fulfilling career with the telephone company as a telecommunications electrician and specialist.

As faithful members of St. Peter Claver parish, Donald and his wife approached parenting with a blend of love and discipline and believed in the gift of togetherness. By example, he taught his children to be God-fearing, to put family-first and to create loving homes. When grandchildren entered their lives, Donald happily used his retirement years to assist in daily school pick-ups, spending his evenings in little league bleachers, basketball stands, and in the bowling alley for his daughter Paula’s four decades of bowling league. A modest and humble man, he knew his most important legacy was his family.

Donald is survived by his beloved children– twins Carla Sage and Paula, Donna Nelinger, Mark (Nita), and Mathew (Stacey); 14 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife Margaret; parents Ernest and Olive; sisters Elaine LeMons and Shirley Bombria; granddaughters Hope and Natalie; and great granddaughter Vivian.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, Jan 10, 2025 (10:30am Rosary; 11am Mass, followed by light luncheon); all are welcome