Donald Robert Commiskey

Donald Robert Commiskey, Sr., age 79, of Gulfport passed away Sunday morning, September 28, 2014, in Gulfport, MS.
Don was born in Chester, PA on July 8, 1935, where he met and married Eleanor Jane Commiskey, his wife of 58 years. He began his 38 year career with DuPont as a laborer, and despite never finishing high school, he was encouraged to pursue additional education after working full time to support his family; he graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in chemical engineering in 1970. He was a strong supporter of the Explorers Club of America, and he worked with the DuPont Cooperative Education program for most of his career.
Donald attended St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Long Beach. He also worked with St. Vincent dePaul's charitable outreach. Don loved to travel, having visited countries across Europe and America. He could proudly boast that he had explored underwater caves, visited the Mayan, Incan and Aztec pyramids and returned to his genealogical origins in Ireland. Always up for an adventure, he bicycled from Boston to New York City in the mid 1990's to honor his son. Don always loved a good party and had been known to dance on the tables at several Mexican weddings.
Don's career and life is a testament to the American ideal of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. He will be forever remembered for his love of good wine, ice cream and tic tacs. He was loved by his family and many friends for his warm heart and hugs.
He is pre-deceased by his parents, Elizabeth Garrett and James Commiskey; sister, Elizabeth Commiskey; and his children, Karen Commiskey and Donald Commiskey Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Commiskey of Gulfport; brothers, Jack Commiskey of Claymont, DE and Jim Commiskey of Gurley, AL; his children Michael Commiskey and Patricia Commiskey, both of Long Beach, MS, Robert Commiskey of Brooklyn, NY and Martha Herrara Marzola of Lima, Peru.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org or the Sisters of Mercy Retirement Fund at 101 Mercy Drive, Belmont, NC 28012-2898.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2014, at Noon at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with visitation for family and friends from 10:30 a.m until the Mass.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport, is serving the family.
Memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com