Donald R. Thering, 91, of Fredonia passed away Thursday afternoon, May 17, 2018 along with his beloved dog Mushka from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born November 5, 1926 in Dunkirk, the son of the late Frank and Mary (Berdick) Thering.
Mr. Thering graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1943, and upon graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the U.S.S. Badger DD126 in the North Atlantic and the U.S.S. Fayette PA43 in the Pacific. He witnessed the aftermath of the A-bomb on Nagasaki, having served on one of the first ships to bring the Occupation Forces in. After his discharge from the U.S. Navy, Don enrolled at the University at Buffalo, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in accounting.
He founded, owned and operated the Donald R. Thering Accounting Firm in Dunkirk from February 1950 until his retirement on November 5, 2014. He was a member of the Empire State Association of Public Accountants, National Association of Tax Professionals and the Independent Association of Accountants of New York, Inc.
A member of the Dunkirk-Irondequoit Masonic Lodge 301 for more than 55 years, Don also belonged to the Scottish Rite of Jamestown, Ismailia Temple of Buffalo and the Lake Shore Shrine Club (past president). He was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Church. His past memberships included Hose Co. No. 1 and its Drum Corps, Optimist Club, Dunkirk Rotary Club, Dunkirk Elks Lodge 922 and Shorewood Country Club.
Survivors include two sons, David C. (Martha) Thering of Fairport and Peter J. Thering of Fredonia; five grandchildren, Donald Robert Thering of Buffalo, Margaret C. Thering of San Francisco, CA, David E., Mark and Steven Thering, all of Fairport; seven great-grandchildren, Olivia, Cameron, Hopkins, Hailey, Penberley, Hunter and Griffin Thering, all of Fairport; and a daughter-in-law, Miriam "Mim" Kohler (Thering) of Bradford, PA. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Margaret C. "Peggy" Thering, who died May 27, 2003; a son, Dr. Bruce Thering on July 6, 2005; three sisters, Isabelle Kaleta, Montrose Thering and Hildegarde Schoos; and one brother, Clarence Thering.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated Wednesday, May 23 at 10:00 AM in Holy Trinity Church. Full Military Honors will be accorded by the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, May 22 from 3:00-7:00 PM at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Shriners Crippled Children's Hospital or the Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 North Gale Road, Westfield, NY 14787.
Obituary from the Observer
