Donald Charles Today, Obituary – The Local Reporter

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OBITUARIES

Donald Charles Jicha passed away peacefully in the presence of family on May 28, 2023, in Chapel Hill, NC. He is 89 years old.

Dr. Jicha was born on July 21, 1933 in Cook County, Illinois, to Charles and Charlotte Jicha. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1955 and received his doctorate in inorganic chemistry from The Ohio State University in 1960. That same year he joined the faculty in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he taught for 46 years before retiring in 2006. During his time at the university, he also served as Associate Dean of the General College for over two decades, as director of the freshman chemistry lab program, and as an advisor for the men’s basketball team.

Dr. Jicha is a caring and dedicated teacher who takes great pride in the achievements of the students she feels honored to serve. He has received numerous awards for teaching, scholarship, and service to the University of North Carolina, including numerous Tanner Awards and the prestigious Thomas Jefferson Award.

Don also found time to serve as a Cub and Boy Scout Troop Leader and saw his two sons receive their Eagle Scout Awards. He was an avid fisherman, dog lover, and sports fan. He loved nothing more than watching Tar Heel basketball and football games with his sons and following Chicago’s professional sports teams, particularly the Cubs and Bulls. He was ecstatic when the Cubs finally won the World Series in 2016.

In his later years, he enjoyed playing bingo with fellow residents at the assisted living facility and watching westerns. But her greatest joy was her grandchildren. He loves to celebrate their achievements and brag about them to fellow residents. Her eyes light up when they come for their visits and she loves hearing stories from their week.

Left by Dr. Jicha his two sons Col. Gregory Jicha (ret.) (Deborah) and Dr. Karl Jicha (Candice), as well as four grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Camille, Cora, and Charles. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Jeanette (Jennie) Jicha, Alice Campbell, and Geraldine (Gerrie) Maslanka.

A celebration of life will be held on June 17, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Carolina Club on the campus of the University of North Carolina, following a private family service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Orange County Animal Shelter.

Walker’s Funeral Home in Chapel Hill is assisting the family.

As a service to the community, The Local Reporter publishes obituaries of local residents free of charge. Send to [email protected].

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