Obituary of Donald Staats

Donald “Don” Staats, 81, of Rome, PA passed away at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.  

He was born on March 24, 1936 in Washington, NJ, the son of the late Edna Lacey. 

Don was employed with Croft Ford in Athens as a Mechanic for 25 years, retiring in 1998. Even after his retirement, he still helped in the shop and loved tinkering at his home on vehicles and equipment. He enjoyed gardening, in both his flower and vegetable garden, filling their dinner table with homegrown vegetables. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is predeceased by his wife of over 53 years, Hannelore S. (Gergits) Staats in 2007, brother, Walter, and sisters, Marion and Violet.   

Don is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Carl Berger of Rome, PA, son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Debra Staats of Rome, PA, grandchildren, Steven and Kelley Berger of Rome, PA, Robert Berger and Melissa Smales of Rome, PA, Nicholas Staats of Potterville, PA, and Justin Staats and Kelsey Rauper of East Smithfield, PA, great-grandchildren, Jordan Berger and Daniel Worthington of Rome, PA, Jenna Berger and Tyler Marshall of Rome, PA, Kera Staats of Potterville, PA, Ellionna Staats of Orwell, PA, Evan Staats of Orwell, PA, Hannah Berger of Rome, PA, and Steven Berger, Jr. of Rome, PA, great-great-granddaughter, Carleigh Worthington, and his great-great-granddaughter, that he was looking forward to meeting, IndieHaze.  He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Wayne Purifoy of FL, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friend, Cynthia Anne Stalford.

At Don’s request, the family will hold a private graveside service at a later date.

Burial will be in Bumpville Cemetery, South Litchfield, PA.