Bro. Donald E. Britt, PM – Life Member

DALLAS — Donald E. Britt, of Dallas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, at the age of 85.

Born on March 4, 1933, in Forty Fort, Donald was the son of the late Edwin H. Britt, of Sweet Valley, and the late Ada Kishpaugh Britt, of Dallas. He was a graduate of Lehman-Jackson High School, Class of 1950, and was a member of Trucksville United Methodist Church, where he served on the official board as financial secretary and was a youth counselor and choir member. Donald belonged to George M. Dallas Lodge 531, F&AM, in Dallas, for over 60 years. He served as worshipful master in 1962, as lodge secretary for nine years and trustee for several years. He was a member of Caldwell Consistory, Valley of Bloomsburg, and Irem Shrine, Wilkes-Barre, where he served as potentate in 1984. While serving as potentate, he formed the Shoban Club and for many years following, he served as treasurer of Irem Cabiri. Donald was also a member of Irem’s Clown Unit in earlier years, serving as director in 1979. Since 1998, he has been the editor of “Irem News.”

Donald worked for Natona Mills, Zoeller Paper Co. and American Home Foods. After 20 years with the H.J. Heinz Company, he retired as an account supervisor.

He was a member of the Luzerne County Historical Society for many years and was an avid historian. Donald and his wife, Joan, worked on many of their families’ genealogies together. For the last 15 years, he and Joan have resided at Newberry Estates in Dallas, where they were active in the community. He served on the Orchard West Council and during his tenure, he was responsible for the restoration of the Orchard West pool, landscaping and insurance.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Joan Coolbaugh Britt, of Dallas; his son, Curtis D. Britt, Esq., of Seaman, Ohio; and his daughter, Carol Britt Madigan, of Laflin. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Erin Madigan Saba, of Trucksville, and her husband, Jonathan, and Colin M. Madigan, of Wilkes-Barre; as well as Nichole Clink and Jessica Holt, both of Tenn., and Kate Zartarian, of Mass.

Donald brought joy and laughter to many throughout his life. A devoted family man, well-respected, creative and a loyal friend to all who met him, he was so loved and his memory will be cherished by his family and friends.

A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 11, in Trucksville United Methodist Church. Visitation will start at noon with the service to follow at 1 p.m.

A Masonic service will be conducted at 1 p.m. by George M. Dallas Lodge 531, F&AM.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Hugh B. Hughes & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia: www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate.

For more information or to send the family an online condolence, visit the funeral home website at www.hughbhughes.com.