Donald John Milroy – Superior Telegram

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Donald John Milroy Don, age 87, of Northville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2022 with his family by his side. Don was born on May 4, 1935 in Superior Wisconsin to parents, Margaret and David, (predeceased). Don attended St. Francis Xavier School and East High School of Superior, Wisconsin. He is the eldest brother of Phillip, Kay and Jack. From an early age, Don lived with passion and enthusiasm for life. After completing high school, he went to Alaska and worked on the railroad, sending money to his mother who was raising the family alone following the death of her husband Daves. By all accounts, David who worked on the Great Northern Railroad played as hard as he did his work…it would be the same work and play ethic for Don. His Dad Dave introduced him to the sport of Curling, a sport he loved and led to many bonspiels and friendships throughout the years.

In 1955, Don worked at Gary Slag Corporation, a steel mill in Duluth, then shoveled coal on a Great Lakes iron ore carrier. Don attended the Minnesota School of Business 1956-1957.

From October, 1957 to September, 1959, Don served in the US Army. We laughed at the fact that although he received a Good Conduct Medal and a Rifle Marksman accommodation, he was listed as a Surface to Air Missile Electronic Repair Helper – a man challenged when it came to changing light bulbs. Don was in downtown Minneapolis when he had a chance meeting with an executive at the Gold Bond Stamp Company. He worked at Gold Bond from 1959 to 1966.

Don and his friend Jimmy Walsh happen to be at the Lexington Dinner Club in 1960. Jimmy gets a list of downhill skiers who form their group in Lexington. Don went down the list and the name Callista Flaherty jumped out at him. He calls Callista for a blind New Years Eve date. His mother Blanche said, go out with him. If he is from Superior. He is a good boy. Callista became the love of his life. Callista and Don were married on October 14, 1961, a marriage that lasted 61 years. On August 8, 1962, Patrick (Karen) was born and announced the birth of three sisters and two brothers all born in St. Paul, Minnesota. Callista Callie, Amy (Franc Mazzuca), Daniel (Kathy), Mark, and Sarah.

After working those years at Gold Bond, Don took an accounting position at Graco and then working his way up the corporate ladder, he took a position at Weatherhead. The corporate climb spurred three major moves: from Minnesota to Ohio in 1972; from Chagrin Falls, Ohio to St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada in 1978. In St. Thomas, Don was with Weatherhead for just a few years before becoming President of Brasscraft Canada (part of Masco Corporation).

Don continued to blur the lines between blue collar and white collar workers, regularly walking the plant floor visiting his employees, who loved him. While in St. Thomas, Don was an integral part of the community, volunteering on the United Way fundraising committee, St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation, the Kiwanis Club, the St. Thomas Airport Expansion Project and for two years became President of St. Thomas Golf and Country Club, a place he loves. In 1993, Don, Callista, Callie and Sarah moved to Hillsdale, Michigan where Don turned to another Masco Company called Alsons.

Having proven himself in every company endeavor he challenged, he was made President of Brasscraft World, which saw him make many trips to Asia, further feeding his passion and zest for life. Don retired at the age of 71 as a group Vice President for Masco Corporation.

A few years ago, Don’s son Pat was given the gift of Ancestry DNA. This leads to a miracle that discovers Don’s daughter Nancy who he never knew existed. Callista graciously accepts this fact, and Nancy is now a beloved part of the Dons family. Don is passionate about finding information about his family tree. For most of his life he believed that his surname of Milroy was of Scottish ancestry. His wife Callista had the last laugh on their good-natured Irish-Scottish rivalry when she discovered that Milroy was an ancient Irish name and that the Milroy clan, which immigrated to America from Scotland, came first from Ireland.

What can we relate to Dons zest for life? Throughout his life he showed deep faith. Don regularly attended mass wherever he lived. Prayer was an important part of his life. He loved his wife Callista, all his children, grandchildren and step-grandkids, family, friends, co-workers, fellow curlers and golfers, and most of all his Creator and Savior Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to your favorite charity would be appreciated. Visitation will be held at LJ Griffins Funeral Home, Northrup-Sassaman Chapel, 19091 Northville Road, Northville, Michigan from 3-8, on Thursday December 15, 2022. Funeral will be on Friday December 16 at 11 am at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Dr., Northville, Michigan. Funeral attendees are invited to join the Dons family for a reception from 1-4pm at the Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel, 21111 Haggerty Rd. Novi, MI. 48375

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