Donald M. Mehalko, 71, of 143 Plum Dr., Magnolia, DE, and formerly of Tacoma, WA and Wilcox, passed away Wednesday morning, March 19, 2025, at Bayhealth Hospital-Sussex Campus, Milford, DE, following a brief illness. He was born on June 8, 1953, in St. Marys, a son to the late George S. and Marietta “Nellie” Turzanski Mehalko. On July 12, 1976, in Norwich, England, he married Martha Mary Howard, and she survives.
Don has lived in Magnolia since 2005 and had lived in Dover for 2 years. He had previously lived in Tacoma, WA from 1991 to 2001, after retiring from the Air Force. He was a 1971 graduate of Johnsonburg High School and had been a member of St. Anne’s Church. He was an avid fisherman, both at sea from his boat off the coast of Washington and the streams and lakes of Delaware. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family, friends and his dogs.
Donald was a Vietnam Era U S Air Force Vet serving overseas and in the US from October of 1972 until 1990. He served with the 513 OMS USAFE in Mildenhall, England as an Airlift Bombardment Aircraft Maintenance Specialist and after his return Stateside, at McChord AFB in Tacoma, WA.
After his discharge from the United States Air Force, Don worked as a truck driver for Swift Trucking for 32 years and received the “2 Million Mile Driver Award” before retiring in 2023.
In addition to his wife, Martha Mary Mehalko, Donald is survived by his step-children, Shaun Yallop (Sharon) of Norwich, England and Kelly Penney (John) of King George, VA, his step-grandchildren, Danielle Yallop, Sherri Yallop, Samantha Jones, Lisa Jones, Carl Jones, Allison Penney and John Penney, Jr. and 14 step-great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings, Catherine Mowrey of Wilcox, John Mehalko of Kane, Joseph Mehalko of Kane, sister-in-law Zella Mehalko of Magnolia, DE and brother-in-law Randy Kalp of Fayetteville, PA and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Donald is predeceased by brothers James, Thomas and Edward Mehalko and a sister Marie Kalp.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Donald M. Mehalko will be conducted at St. Anne’s Church, Wilcox, on Saturday April 5, 2025, at 10 AM with Fr. David Wilson, pastor as celebrant. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Rasselas.
Visitation will be private.
Arrangements are under direction of the Anthony F Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Chestnut St., Johnsonburg
Military Honors will be accorded by the Johnsonburg-Ridgway Servicemen’s Detail. Detail members are asked to assemble at the funeral home on Saturday morning at 9 AM.
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