Donald N. Protetch
PROTETCH: Donald N. Protetch, on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Beloved husband of the late Miriam “Mimi” Polasky Protetch. Loving father of Jack (Garrett Flaherty) Protetch and Marci Protetch. Brother of the late Geraldine Shulan (late Leonard Shulan) and the late Dolores Protetch. Grandfather of Abbey Plumb. Also survived by dear nieces and nephew Marlene and Jeffrey Kossis and Ilene Shulan, all of Florida, great-nephews Lyle Kossis of Virginia and Jason (Sarah) Kossis of Georgia. Born in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, to Isaac Protetch and Minnie Krell Protetch, Don spent most of his life in Pittsburgh’s East End. A graduate of Peabody High School, he attended Carnegie Tech (CMU) prior to enlisting in the Army during WWII. Stationed in the Philippines and Japan, he served honorably as staff sergeant. After the war, he attended watchmaking school and like his father, opened a retail store, Donald’s Jewelry, in Pittsburgh’s Manchester neighborhood. Don continued his sales career, working at his brother-in-law’s health and beauty aids business for many years. In 1962, he married the love of his life and soon moved to Stanton Heights where he and Mimi raised their children and later in life moved to Shadyside/Oakland. Prior to retiring, Don returned to the jewelry business that he so enjoyed, working at Bailey Banks & Biddle. He spent leisure time bowling, playing tennis and golf, reading novels, solving crossword puzzles and being outdoors on a sunny day. He enjoyed many family vacations to the Jersey Shore and Florida and keeping updated on current events, faithfully watching the news when reading became a challenge. As patriarch, he delighted in celebrating family events and leading holiday traditions. Ever devoted to his family, he was a blessing to his wife and younger sister, supporting them through difficult illnesses. His wry sense of humor, warm smile and bright blue eyes will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 1 p.m. Visitation one hour prior to services (12 noon to 1 p.m.). Interment Adath Jeshurun Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Jewish War Veterans of USA at jwv.org or Rodef Shalom Congregation at rodefshalom.org. schugar.com PJC
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