Donald Lee Witherite

Donald Lee Witherite, 72, of Spring Mills, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 16, 2021, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in College Township. Born on November 19, 1948 in Bellefonte, he was a son of the late John Calvin and Elby June Martin Witherite. On January 27, 1978, he married his beloved wife, Nancy (Shuey) Witherite, who survives him at home after sharing over 43 years of marriage together. 

Mr. Witherite, a 1966 graduate of Penns Valley High School worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the Army on June 6, 1968. He was a veteran of the Vietnam war. He spent 19 months in Vietnam. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. When he was discharged from the service, he returned home and was employed as a machinist at Gettig Engineering and Manufacturing Co., Inc. in Spring Mills, PA.

In May of 1983, Donald went to work for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at Rockview State Prison, Bellefonte, PA as a Corrections officer. He was later promoted to sergeant, a position he held until he retired in February of 2011.

In addition to his wife, Nancy, he is survived by their three children, Brian E. Witherite (Tammy), Meyersdale, PA, Jeffrey D. Witherite (Jill), Mount Pleasant Mills, PA, Amy Rocuskie, Mechanicsburg, PA. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Brandon P. McIver and Karlee M. Witherite, Meyersdale, PA, Carson J. Witherite and Lydia P. Witherite, Mount Pleasant Mills, PA, and Ivan T. Rocuskie, Mechanicsburg, PA.

Don enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and many happy family vacations and family events were enjoyed by everyone. Don took great pride in taking care of his yard and loved gardening. He was an avid Penn State fan and enjoyed attending football games and wrestling matches.

Donald is also survived by his six sisters, Sally A. Cameron (Harold) of Port Matilda, PA, Donna K. Martin (James) of Millheim, PA, Judy L. Ripka of Bellefonte, PA, Kathy J. McCormack (Don) of Loganton, PA, Beverly J. Whitman (Kim) of Elizabethtown, PA, and Nancy L. Reamer of Aaronsburg, PA. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his brother, John C. Witherite, Jr. and a sister Gail A. Witherite.

Don was a lifetime member of the American Legion Keystone Post #444 in Millheim PA. When asked to do so, he participated in the Honor Guard at funeral services for Veterans. Before Memorial Day, for many years, he took on the responsibility on behalf of Post #444 in Millheim, to place American Flags on graves of veterans in various cemeteries in Millheim, Rebersburg, Madisonburg, and Levonia. He was also a member of The Millheim Lions Club, The Millheim Fire Company, and The Ole’ Shriner Hunting Camp. He was also a member of bowling leagues. Don was a recipient of a Quilt of Valor from the Happy Valley Quilts of Valor at the Centre County Grange Fair in 2018.

There will be a public viewing held on Thursday, April 22, 2021, from 11am-1pm at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring Street Bellefonte. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1pm at the funeral home with George Witherite, Lay Speaker officiating and Carol Baney, Lay Minister/American Legion First Vice Commander of Post #444 in Millheim. Following CDC recommendations, social distancing is encouraged, and face coverings will be required at all services. Burial with full military honors will be private at the convenience of the family in Centre County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to the American Diabetes Association by mailing a check to American Diabetes Association, Attn: Service Center, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or to the American Heart Association at 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451.