Portrait of Donald Joseph Krahling
VETERAN
In loving memory of

Donald Joseph Krahling

June 23, 1954 – May 9, 2026
Lived 71 years
Irondequoit · Rochester, NY
Semper Fi
In service to country

Thank you for your service

Donald served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.

Life story

Donald J. "Don" Krahling, 71, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Rochester, NY.

Don was predeceased by his fiancee Mary Kay Dieffenbach, his parents, Frank H. Krahling and Nellie (Wood) Freer; his stepfather, Seyburn "Bud" Schaus; and his sisters, Mary Cirbus and Rita Halverson. He is survived by his son Daniel (Melanie) Krahling; daughter Anne (Miguel Jr.) Melendez; cherished grandchildren, Aaliyah, Marisol, and Miguel Melendez III; brothers, John (Marguerite), Robert (Donna), and James; sister, Teresa Thomson; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Born on June 23, 1954, in Buffalo, NY, Don spent much of his life in Rochester. He graduated from Lafayette High School in 1972 and attended Niagara University. Don honorably served in the U.S. Marine Corps and later in the New York National Guard. He also devoted years to mentoring young people through Boy Scout Troops 70 and 62.

A lifelong tinkerer and problem solver, Don had a passion for restoring mechanical devices and a deep appreciation for gunsmithing, camping, survival skills, and American history. He will be remembered for his vast knowledge, storytelling ability, and willingness to help others.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare professionals at Highland Hospital for their compassionate care during Don's illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, from 12–4 p.m. at the American Legion Post #64, 1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo, NY. Interment at Irondequoit Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Donations in Don's memory may be made to St. Andrew's Food Cupboard, 892 Portland Ave., Rochester, NY 14621.

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Lifetime

The world Donald knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1954
Born June 23
1954
Born in Buffalo, NY at 11:53 AM
1954
Catholic Baptism: St. Ambrose, Buffalo, NY
1959
Donald was 5 when Barbie made her debut
1969
Donald was 15 when "Sesame Street" debuted
1973
Military Service United State Marine Corps
1975
Donald was 21 when Saigon fell, ending the Vietnam War
1976
Military Discharge United States Marine Corps
1979
Attended College Niagara University
1979
Military Service United States Naval Reserve
1980
Military Discharge United States Naval Reserve
1982
Computer Programming I Continuing Education Greece Central School District
1983
Parenthood: Daniel P. Krahling
1983
Donald was 29 when the final episode of M*A*S*H aired
1986
Parenthood: Anne M. Krahling
1987
Worked for West Irondequoit Central School District 370 Cooper Rd, Rochester, NY 14617
1988
Stationary Engineering - Third Class Adult Education Rochester Boardof Education
1988
Military Service New York Army National Guard
1989
Promotion SPC E4 New York Army National Guard
1989
Drug Enforcement Program at Wellesley Island Certificate In recognition of the initiative, imagination, organizational abilities, & untiring effort displayed...
1989
Certificate of Appreciation & Positive General Counseling In the recognition of the support given to the U.S. Customs Service during the War on Drugs - FY 1989
1990
Skills Listed for Drug Enforcement Team Wellesley Island
1990
Positive General Counseling Values, competence, physical fitness & military bearing, leadership, training, responsibility & accountability
1994
Donald was 40 when "Friends" premiered
2004
Donald was 50 when Facebook was launched
2013
Grand Parenthood: Aaliyah G. Melendez
2014
Stashe Bash: Don's 60th Birthday
2015
Grand Parenthood: Marisol A. Melendez
2015
Donald was 61 when "Hamilton" opened on Broadway
2018
Grand Parenthood: Miguel A. Melendez III
2022
Donald was 68 when ChatGPT was released to the public
2024
Aged to Perfection: Don's 70th Birthday
2026
Passed away May 9, age 71
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Anne Melendez 12w

Eulogy

Dad’s Eulogy, at his Celebration of Life Luncheon, given by his daughter, Anne Melendez, on May 30, 2026.

Photo shared by Anne Melendez Photo shared by Anne Melendez Photo shared by Anne Melendez
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Irondequoit
Rochester, NY
Plot: Section | Building: v4 Plot | Wall: 96 Grave: 1
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