Obituary of Donald Gould

Donald B. Gould Age 75, of Joliet, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 surrounded by his family. Born in Joliet, he was a lifelong resident of Will County. Survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jan (nee Darguzis); devoted son, Donald (Cindy); devoted daughter, Bridget; treasured grandsons, Drew and Joey; dear brother, Ken (Vanette); sisters-in-law, Kathy (Mike) Cimino and Lynn (the late Jack) Behringer; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Margaret (nee Morrison) Gould; sister, Rosemary Gould (Len) Martis; brothers, Edward (Peggy) and Gerald (Leslie); and his in-laws, John and Rose Darguzis. Don was a dedicated public servant, having served 20 years as Mayor of Rockdale from 1969-89, where he completed many public improvements, including construction of the Rockdale Municipal Building in 1976. He previously served two years as Rockdale Fire Chief and six years as a member of the Rockdale Board of Education. Don retired in 2002 as Director of the Will County Emergency Management Agency. During his tenure, he led Will County's response to the tornado which struck Plainfield in 1990, and traveled to cities, villages, and townships throughout Will County in support of a referendum to establish a 9-1-1 emergency telephone system. He served as President of the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association (IESMA) and first 9-1-1 Chair. Formerly employed at U.S. Steel as a supervisor for many years. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, 1st Armored Division. As a young man, Don coached youth baseball, basketball and football teams in the Joliet area. A graduate of Joliet Catholic High School, he organized the Class of 1956 monthly alumni breakfasts. Following his retirement, he traveled and enjoyed golfing during the winter months in Clearwater, Florida. Member of Moran A.C. He was a 51 year Parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rockdale. The family would like to thank Dr. John Walsh, Dr. Vincent Benig and Joliet Area Community Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. Funeral Services for Donald B. Gould will be held Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rockdale where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Jack Welch, O'Carm a classmate and friend of Don, presiding. Interment St. Patrick Cemetery. Memorials in his name to Joliet Catholic Academy Heritage Quad Project, 1200 N. Larkin Avenue, Joliet, IL 60435 or Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 would be appreciated. Visitation Friday 3-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com