Donald Leroy Chatfield, 90, of Vero Beach, FL, died unexpectedly Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at the Sebastian River Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Chatfield was born July 18, 1918 in MacArthur, OH and moved to Vero Beach in 1978 from Ridgefield Park, NJ.
He had been a Postal Supervisor for the US Postal Office for 30 years and was a veteran of WW II serving in the Air Force. Don was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Kiwanis Club, Vero Beach Codgers, Quarterback Club, VFW and a volunteer with the VNA. He also coached soccer and basketball for his grandchildren, working tireless hours to help whoever needed a helping hand. Don was always ready to participate in any activity with his family. He loved cruising the Caribbean, fishing in the Indian River Lagoon or gambling in Las Vegas or Atlantic City. He was a devoted Fighting Indians football fan. Endless Friday nights were spent watching the game as well as enjoying his grandchildren while they performed in the band.
Survivors include his children Richard (Kim) Chatfield of Sebastian, Dona (Leslie) Horton, Susan (Geno) DeLuca and Frances Bo (Jeff) Rhoten of Vero Beach; grandchildren Jamie (Emily) Chatfield, Erika (Steve) Roberts, Jay and Alyssa Zink, Todd and Troy Rhoten; great-granddaughter Katie; brother George (Nancy) Chatfield, sister Helen (Jack) Stephens sister-in-law Barbara Young all of Florida; brother Jimmy (Rosemary) Chatfield, Gene (Nancy) Chatfield of Ohio and his good friend Ida MacDearmid. Don was predeceased by his parents John and Mary Alice Sprague Chatfield, wife of 56 years Alice, brothers Robert, Paul, Charles and Richard Chatfield.
He will be dearly missed by all of his family as well as all of his friends that he has met through out his life.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, Sunday, February 15, 2009 at Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach. A memorial celebration will take place at 10:00 AM, Monday, February 16, 2009 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach.
Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA/Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.