Donald Degani

Donald I Degani, age 92, died on Thursday April 15, 2021 in the loving community of Bonaventure in Thornton, CO. He lived his entire life in the Durango, CO area, excluding the last 4 years.
He was born January 6, 1929 in Durango, CO to John & Mary Degani. Don was the oldest of two children. He was raised in Allison, CO and helped on the family farm. Don was very athletic in high school and enjoyed playing football and baseball. Don was the starting quarterback for DHS his senior year. After high school, he was invited by the Boston Red Sox to try out at their Albuquerque training camp.
Don attended the University of Colorado from 1947 to 1951 where he received his pharmacy degree. He received an induction notice from the army in 1952 and served as a cryptographer in Seoul, South Korea. Don married Marie Turner in 1956. In 1962 he bought into Parsons Drug in Durango, CO, eventually buying his partners out in 1970. The iconic store on 9th and Main closed September 21, 1991. Don’s interests included fishing and hunting. Don had a great sense of humor and he was a kind and generous man who loved helping his fellow neighbors and friends. He is survived by his sister Geraldine Brown, Columbia S.C., two children Gary Degani & Dee Ann Baer, six grandchildren (Dylan Degani, Karissa Degani, Callie Degani, Brianne Shiflett, Erin Baer, Braden Baer), and one great grandson (Daniel Degani).
Funeral services will be held on Friday April 23, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (254 E Fifth Ave) Durango, CO at 10:00 AM. Burial services following at Greenmount Cemetery.