Donald "Pup" David Vandergrift

Donald “Pup” Vandergrift, 62, of East Smithfield, PA passed away with his loved ones by his side on Thursday, May 9, 2024 following an extended illness at Robert Packer Hospital.

He was born November 18, 1961 in Easton, PA, the son of William, Jr. and Gladys (Koose) Hann.

Pup loved people and could strike up a conversation with anyone no matter where he was. His family was most important to him, he loved spending time with them and he was a very proud grandpa to his grandchildren.    

Pup’s occupation was painting, and while at Schweizer Aircraft painted many helicopters. After his retirement, his love of painting continued and he spent many hours painting old cars and redoing his tractors. In his younger years, he rode dirt bikes and participated in the local Demolition Derbies. He loved spending time outdoors just enjoying nature, fishing, and riding his 4-Wheelers.

Pup was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, watched all the games, was a faithful and dedicated fan. He loved NASCAR and enjoyed racing indoor go carts and the tractor pulls with his family.

He had various collections and kept up with all of them; Old Bottles, Knives, Hats and Candles. His choice of music was Classic Rock and he enjoyed listening to it while painting or wouldn’t mind sharing it with whoever was visiting. Pup was a proud member of the East Smithfield Fire Department.

He is predeceased by his son Dustin Donald Vandergrift and biological father Donald David Vandergrift, Sr.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years Ramona (Crane) Vandergrift, children Amanda (Bennett) Lenox, Christine (Heather) Flaherty-Crane, Iris (John) Galasso, Melissa (Brion) Rathbun, and Heather (Geoff) Groover, grandchildren Azlyn, Zavery, Axton, Michael, Matthew, Madison, Bridgette, Elliot, Ryan, Elizabeth, Joseph, Sarah, Emily, Megan, Hanna, and Chase, and great-grandchildren Mason, Sophia, and Addilynn. He is also survived by his parents William, Jr. and Gladys Hann, siblings James Vandergrift, Ann (JoJo) Bridges, Doddie (Guy) Hall, William III (AnnMarie) Hann, and Timothy (Ann Marie) Lutzko, many aunts, uncles’ nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pup also leaves behind his close friends Amy and Mark Stefanik, Gary “Beaver” and Lois Vosburg, and Brian Wakley.

“Mooooooo!”

A Time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 11am-1pm at the Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home at 1pm with the Rev. Tim Robson officiating.

Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, East Smithfield, PA.

Memorial donations may be made in Donald’s name Guthrie Clinic, Guthrie Oncology 5th Floor, One Guthrie Square, Sayre, PA 18840.

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