Donald Aaron Persellin's Obituary
Donald Aaron Persellin
April 10, 1935 - February 12, 2025
Beloved husband of Sarah.
Father of Shoshi Persellin, Rachel Persellin-Armoza, Avi Persellin, and Golleet Lonabaugh (Craig).
Dear son of James z”l and Bessie z”l Persellin.
Dear brother and brother in-law of Edward Persellin z”l (Pat z”l), Robert Persellin (Diane z”l) and Brenna Davidson z”l (Arny z”l); Dona Vita (Mino z”l), Clara Hodara z”l (Aryeh z”l), Yehudit Devorah (Edward z”l), and Etti Sacker (Kalman z”l).
Dear Saba to Eitan Haziza, Shakked and Tamir Armoza, Jordan and Zachary Persellin, Sarah, Caden and Sammy Lonabaugh. Uncle to many nieces and nephews across the States and Israel. Friend to all.
Don was born and grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. His family actually belonged to both the souls in town, the Reform and the Orthdox. He graduated from Fargo Central High School, and later earned his B.A. in Economics at the University of Michigan. Here began his lifelong love and obsession with the Wolverines (Go Blue!).
Don worked at his family’s beer distributor business in Fargo, and after a visit with his Mom to Israel. He fell in love with the country, moved there, and eventually had a seat on the Israel Stock Exchange and offices throughout Israel. He met and married Sarah Capoya, and was immediately embraced and loved by her entire clan.
Don and Sarah moved from Tel Aviv to Fargo to Minneapolis to Los Angeles and back to Israel, this time to Ashkelon, where they lived with their four children. Don’s final move was to Tucson, Arizona, where he worked as a commercial real estate broker for nearly 40 years.
Don was a lover of books all his life, especially documentaries and newspapers. He supported the Arts and particularly enjoyed and appreciated classical music. He and Sarah together loved chamber music concerts and the theater.
Don religiously walked, hiked, or swam daily. He stayed in great shape, and even hiked the Grand Canyon (down and up!) for his 75th birthday. Sabino Canyon was Don’s refuge, and he was a very proud volunteer Mountain Ranger at the Canyon.
Don loved peanut butter straight from the jar, cookies and cream ice cream, Sarah’s fresh challah, and shakshouka and couscous on Thursday afternoons.
Don’s greatest love was his family. Shabbat dinners with kids, grandkids,and friends were the highlight of every week, as were holidays when the entire widespread clan could join together. Don revered the rituals and the joy of Jewish traditions. He made sure to keep the stories and memories of his parents and grandparents alive with us all, and made it clear how it was now his kids’ job to carry traditions and memories forward.
Don was a kind, humble, wise, and decent man. He never wanted the spotlight but spoke up when need be, and he had a quiet way of touching so many people on their own level. He had a wicked sense of humor till the end. Don was the pillar of the family and he will be missed greatly
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