Lieutenant Commander Donald R. McGarrigle, USN (Ret.)

July 11, 1932 – October 13, 2024

Lieutenant Commander Donald R. McGarrigle, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran and devoted family man, passed away October 13, 2024, at the age of 92. Born in San Bernardino, California, on July 11, 1932, to Raymond and Grace McGarrigle, Donald dedicated his life to his country, his family, and his community.

Donald met the love of his life, Brenda D. Caronna, while attending the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. They were married on December 28, 1957, embarking on a lifetime of love and adventure together. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Pensacola, FL, where Donald completed flight school before transferring to Coronado, CA. It was in Coronado that they raised their five children before being stationed at Olathe Naval Air Station. Upon retiring, Donald and Brenda settled in Overland Park, Kansas.

During his distinguished military career, Donald served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, earning numerous accolades, including the prestigious Purple Heart. He also earned the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism once he returned – in Olathe, Kansas for risking his life to pull men from a helicopter that crashed on the base.  He was a true patriot, committed to serving his country, and a man of integrity who exemplified leadership and bravery.

Dad, I thought we had more time…I really miss our almost nightly talks and Monday visits and that twinkle in your eye when we laughed together!  You know we are so much alike, we both have that stubborn streak and thank you for teaching me your leadership and bravery skills (they pale next to yours), Bravo Zulu – Fair winds and following seas, Sir.  I have the watch. Love you! -Erin

Papa, My fav guy. A huge part of my heart and soul is missing without you here. Everything I am and have accomplished is because of you and Nana. I wouldn't be where I am today without you. You provided me with everything I needed and then some. 92 amazing years yet it still doesn't feel like we had enough time with your witty self. You were a professional TV watcher, animal lover, the biggest jokester, hardheaded and sometimes a questionable driver but you had the most caring heart and always put each of us before yourself. Your selflessness was unmatched, and you will be missed.  I sure do hope God had your chair ready with the TV on and the remote in close reach with jujubes and Charleston chews waiting on the table for you. Love you forever and always. -Jordan

My love for my Papa is beyond words; he has always been my hero and inspiration. I cherish the countless times he would sit down with all of us and share stories from his Navy days—some were exciting, some were tough, and some were so funny they made us laugh out loud. He would also talk about how, during that time, he met Nana and fell in love. I loved hearing about their adventures together! I'm grateful to have had a Papa who has lived such a full and meaningful life, and who shared it with me through stories filled with courage, humor, and the deepest love for Nana. I will miss you so much and I love you. -Maggie

Papa, you have no idea how much you meant to me. I always felt we were cut from the same cloth, and maybe that's why we got along so well. You always put your family first, always thinking of us before yourself. We shared that same kindness toward others, a love for all animals, and an impressive dedication to watching TV. Every time I was with you, there was always a joke or a smart-aleck remark that had everyone laughing, and I felt this calm, this sense of peace, just being around you. Thank you for letting me be my truest self and for showing me what it means to be a dad, a father, a papa, a man, and a hero. Love you forever. -Mollie

My fondest memories of my dad "Papa" are when I was young, and I used to sit on his back in our pool while he swam the length of the pool underwater.  He also made awesome homemade pizza & famous for me & my friends were fried egg sandwiches.  I love you Dad & it gives me peace knowing you & Mom are together again! -Shannon

Don always made me feel like part of the family, especially when he called me "son"! -David

I love you Dad. -Sean

I love you Dad. -Tara

I love you Dad! -Kari

Donald was predeceased by the love of his life, Brenda (they are together again), his parents Raymond and Grace McGarrigle, his sister Shalamar, his daughter Tami, his son Kevin, his grandchildren Paige and Chris, and his niece Tammi. He is survived by his devoted children Erin (Joe Plas), Tara, Shannon (David Brown), Sean, and Kari. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Joe, Niki, Taylor, Marguerite, Maureen, Jordan, Jessica, Dylan, Tami, and Tyler, as well as several great-grandchildren, all of whom were a constant source of pride and joy.

Donald's legacy of service, love, and dedication to his family will be remembered and cherished by all who had the honor of knowing him. His impact will continue to be felt through the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Services with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 4, 2024, at Leavenworth National Cemetery. In place of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Donald's honor to Kansas City Hospice – they took such great care of him!

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com