On Monday, July 9, 2012, the world lost a remarkable man. Donald Everitt Abare passed away at the age of 68 in Vienna, Virginia. His passing marked the end of an era for those who loved and cherished him. However, his legacy of service, sacrifice, and quiet strength lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Donald Everitt Abare was more than the titles he held in life: husband, brother, uncle, and Veteran. He was a man of deep conviction, boundless courage, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved and the country he served.
A Humble Beginning
Born to Nick and Lucia Abare, Donald grew up in a close-knit family that valued honesty, hard work, and compassion. These values shaped his character early on and laid the foundation for the life he would go on to lead. From an early age, Donald displayed a sense of responsibility and strength that set him apart. He had a quiet kind of leadership that didn’t demand attention but earned respect.
Growing up with his brothers, Bruce and Tom, Donald learned the importance of family, loyalty, and sticking together through life’s many trials and triumphs. These bonds remained strong throughout his life. He was never far from the hearts of his siblings, their families, and the many nieces and nephews who came to love their Uncle Don.
A Life of Service
Donald answered the call to serve his country with honor and bravery. As a proud member of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, he exemplified the qualities of dedication, resilience, and integrity. During a time of great uncertainty and hardship, Donald stood steadfast, performing his duties with a sense of purpose and patriotism.
His military service earned him several prestigious honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. These awards speak to the valor and sacrifice Donald demonstrated during his time in service. But like many Veterans of his generation, Donald wore his honors with humility. He never sought praise or accolades. For him, serving was simply the right thing to do.
It is hard to overstate the impact of service on a person’s life, especially during a conflict as turbulent as Vietnam. The sacrifices Donald made, the time spent far from home, the risks he faced, and the comrades he likely lost left an unforgettable effect. Yet he returned with the same quiet dignity that had defined him all along, never seeking special recognition but always earning the respect of those around him.
A Devoted Husband
One of the most defining relationships of Donald’s life was his marriage to Sharon F. Abare, his devoted wife and lifelong partner. Their love was the kind that didn’t need grand gestures to be understood. It was in the little things, the shared laughter, the quiet companionship, and the unspoken understanding of two souls deeply connected.
Together, Donald and Sharon built a life rooted in love, trust, and mutual respect. Though Sharon passed before him, their bond remained unbroken. Her memory stayed close to Donald’s heart, and those who knew him could see the way he carried her love with him every day. Theirs was a love story of quiet depth, the kind that speaks volumes without ever needing to be spoken aloud.
A Beloved Brother and Uncle
Family was the center of Donald’s world. Donald maintained a lifelong bond with his brothers, Bruce and Tom, built on love, shared memories, and unity. He was always there for them, offering support and guidance. As an uncle to six nephews and seven nieces, he played an irreplaceable role in their lives. His presence in their lives was a source of strength, wisdom, and love.
He was the kind of uncle who offered wisdom without judgment, support without conditions, and love without limits. Whether he was attending family gatherings, offering a listening ear, or simply showing up when needed most, Donald’s presence was always a source of comfort and strength. His nieces and nephews looked up to him not just for his service or his stories. They admired him for the kind and steady way he moved through life.
Quiet Strength and Humble Legacy
Donald was not the kind of man who sought the spotlight, yet his presence was powerful in its steadiness. He was the embodiment of quiet strength. He didn’t need to raise his voice to be heard or make grand declarations to be understood. Donald lived by example, showing that courage can be quiet and kindness can be strong. A good life is measured not by fame or fortune, but by the impact we leave on the lives of others.
He was a man who valued honesty, treated everyone with respect, and believed in doing what was right, even when no one was watching. In many ways, Donald represented the best of a generation. He was a man who served with honor, loved deeply, and lived with integrity.
A Lasting Tribute
Though Donald Everitt Abare has passed from this world, his legacy continues in the lives of those he touched. His memory lives on in the stories told at family gatherings and the values he instilled in the next generation. It also lingers in the quiet moments when those who loved him reflect on his life and the example he set.
He reminds us that true heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes they wear uniforms, offer quiet advice, give the best hugs, and show up when it matters most. Donald’s life was a testament to the quiet heroism that too often goes unrecognized but is never forgotten.
His family, his brothers, nephews, nieces, and extended loved ones will carry forward the values he lived by. They will remember his laughter, his strength, his stories, and his unwavering support. In doing so, they will ensure that his spirit lives on, not only as a memory but as a guiding light for future generations.
Final Thoughts
It is said that a life well-lived is one that leaves the world a little better than we found it. By that measure, Donald Everitt Abare lived an extraordinary life. Through his service, his love, and his steady presence, he left a mark that will not fade with time.
To know him was to know someone you could always rely on. He had weathered life’s storms with grace. Through it all, he emerged with even more love to give. As we remember him, let us honor his memory by living with the same courage, kindness, and quiet strength that he carried so well.
