Tributes

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald Robert Westlake announce his passing on May 1, 2024, at the age of 91. Our father was born on April 11, 1933, to parents William and Clara Westlake in Ossining, NY. He likened his childhood to the Peanuts cartoon because all the neighborhood kids played ball, rode their bikes and roamed the streets looking for German spies. One of his fondest memories was riding his bike to the town's movie theatre for the weekend matinees. All the local kids would be armed with spitball straws, and it would get so intense with "spitfire" That it looked like the Battle of Britain. Later as a teenager he worked up the courage to ask for a job at that very theater. The manager hired him but forbade him a straw with his shift Cola. Dad graduated from Ossining High School in 1951 and enlisted in the Marines. He honorably served with the 1st Marine Division and did a tour in Korea. Upon his return he took a position with the White Plains Police Department. He said the first week working the beat in the middle of the winter he didn't have the proper warm clothes and almost quit and reenlisted. Thankfully for us he met the love of his life, Mary McSharry on a police call before he could reenlist. He actually intentionally left his nightstick at her office, so he had an excuse to go back and ask her out. We are all grateful for dad's quick thinking. They married in 1955, celebrated 69 anniversaries and had us 7 kids. In his younger years dad was an avid fast pitch softball player, playing for the Marines, The police department, and other local leagues. He was also a dedicated Assistant Scout Master for troop 164 in Yorktown Heights, NY, teaching the scouts cold weather survival, repelling, maple syrup making and many other activities. Dad loved law enforcement and had a very successful and long career, attending the prestigious FBI National Academy and retiring in 1981 as Captain. He made many lifelong friends on the force that he shared many laughs and memories with. After retirement he opened Whitetail Sports in Hillsdale, NY. He turned his love of hunting and fishing into his second career. He loved hunting with his fellas at his deer camp called "Ain't the Ritz" in the Adirondack Mountains. Some of Dad's best work happened after he retired when he volunteered for a multitude of organizations. We will only list a few, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, President of Charlotte County Retired Law Club, President of the Craryville Rod and Gun Club, Irish American Club, President of the Italian American Club (he joked the only Italian in him was his spaghetti dinner) and Toys for Tots. Dad is survived by his sister Doris Campbell and his children Bobby, Debby, Donald, Colleen, John, and Emmy and predeceased by his wife Mary and eldest son William. He also leaves behind 18 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Dad, we know you stayed on this earth as long as you did to protect your beloved wife until her last breath. Mission accomplished, at ease Marine and rest in peace. A celebration of life to come. In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Tributes

Donald Robert Westlake

April 11, 1933 - May 1, 2024