Donald F. Dembert, 89, Clarks Summit died Friday afternoon at home peacefully surrounded by family. His wife is the former Carol Silberman Nelson Dembert.
Don was born in Scranton, the son of Florence Frank Dembert and Sander Ellsworth Dembert. He was the grandson of Emma Kleeman Frank and Samuel E. Frank and Rose Salsburg and Sol Dembert.
Don was graduated from Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, PA. Also a graduate of Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, Don earned a Masters Degree from Boston University while working in Filene’s Executive Training Program. Don served in the United States naval reserves during the Korean War before returning to Scranton.
Beginning his career as a stock broker with Bache and Co., Don retired as Vice President of Investments with Wells Fargo. He won many awards in his 45 year career and was respected by his clients and the entire financial community for his expertise and integrity.
A member of the Waverly Country Club, Glen Oak Country Club, Temple Hesed, and a life member of the Jewish Community Center, Don was an avid 4-wall handball and tennis player, skier, and golfer. He excelled at sports and was proud of the tournaments and trophies he won.
Don was involved for many years as volunteer for many regional organizations including the Jewish Community Center, Temple Hesed, and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. A true selfless and kind gentleman, he was loved and respected by all who were privileged to know him. Don had a special spark and love of life that resonated with absolutely everyone he knew.
For many years, Don raised beagles and loved his dogs, all named Sandy. He loved travel, visiting many places in the world, and he would often share stories about his 25 years vacationing in Maui where he was “the mayor” of the Grand Wailea.
Don is survived by the children and grandchildren of his blended family: daughter Heather Dembert Rafter and her husband John Rafter (Portola Valley,CA), son Harley Frank Dembert and wife Amy Wessan (Tarrytown, NY); step-son Michael Nelson and his wife Madelaine Saldivar (Wayne, PA), and Daniel Nelson (Burlington MA). He will be greatly missed by grandchildren Alex, Jackson & Emma Laura Rafter, Lydia Dembert, Sarah, Alex, Vivian, and Luke Nelson.
His family wishes to thank his caretaker Gretchen Eagen Mackie and Don’s care team as well as the doctors and staff at Geisinger for the love and kindness shown to him throughout his illness.
Graveside services will be held on Sunday at 12 noon in Temple Hesed Cemetery in Dunmore by Rabbi Daniel Swartz. Friends are invited and asked to please observe COVID-19 regulations. Also the funeral service will be live streamed and may be viewed on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
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