Donald C Guelich

rn Don did not enlist in the US Navy to become a hero. However, after serving aboard the USS South Dakota during the battles of Santa Cruz and Guadalcanal and aboard the USS Stokes during Okinawa and Iwo Jima, he and his shipmates shared the uncommon virtue of valor. He would carry with him these traits for the rest of his days. He was proud to serve as a member of the Special Police Force of Edgewater Park and a volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Delran. His meticulous nature showed in all things. While an inspector at the New York Shipyard in Camden if a part was not up to spec it didn’t go on the ship. It was never done to be difficult, just to protect the men who would later serve on that ship. A man of few words, he was always ready to listen. With just a few statements he could both bring his family to laughter and reaffirm to them his unwavering devotion.rn A young woman named Harriett (nee Miller) was given one rule by her father, a seaman himself, “no sailors.” Although he wasn’t pleased when she brought home Don, he was slowly won over when they swapped stories of the high seas. Shortly after the war their 65 year marriage would begin. Together, they were blessed by their children: Jim (Sandy) of Mt. Laurel, Theresa “Terry” Demetrovics of Riverside and Nanette Odgers (Jim) of Cinnaminson and again by their grandchildren: Jessica, Thomas, Cara, Matthew, Paul, Katie, Raymond, Donald and Rachel and their great-grandchildren: Tim, Alli, David, Keanu, Malia, Makaio, Anela, Mia, Aidan, Braiden, John, Ryan and Justin. rn Come celebrate Donald’s 89 wonderful years (Aug. 1, 1922-Mar. 1, 2012) Monday 6-8 PM and Tuesday 9-10 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM at Sacred Heart Church, Riverton. Interment Brig. Gen. Wm. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-1942rn – See more at: https://sweeneyfamilyroom.com/donald-c-guelich/#sthash.5p1TeiLB.dpuf