Donald W. Accipiter

Donald W. Accipiter, 76, of Ruffsdale, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on November 17, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born May 28, 1946 in Greensburg, PA. The youngest son of the late John and Harriet Laurene (Morris) Accipiter. Donnie was a proud union member, belonging to IUOE Local 66 Operating Engineers for 46 years. As a heavy equipment operator, he ran the Case D580 Backhoe with ease. In his younger years, Donnie painted and rebuilt many classic cars. He also owned and operated Accipiter Auto Salvage. He is preceded in death by both parents; brothers, Harry, Samuel, Norman, Charles and Curtis Accipiter and great-grandson, Anthony Harshman. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, Frances (Bartecsko) Accipiter, who he met at a football game in 1963. Donnie loved his four daughters, Dawn (John) Toman of West Newton, PA, Barbara Harshman of Rillton, PA, Mary Thornton and John Comer both of Ruffsdale, PA and Kathy (Tim) Cochran of Ruffsdale, PA. He was graced with ten grandchildren, Stephanie (Ian) Gregory, Janelle (Roger) Comini, Joshua (CC) Harshman, Katelynn (Ryan) Kelley, Nicole (Dwight) Tipton, John Stephen Accipiter, Macy Thornton (fiancé Carl Clingenpeel) and Chelsea, Zachary and Aidan Cochran; twelve great-grandchildren, Paige, Peyton, Parker, Harper, Elliot, Penny, Remy, Alfred, Logan, John, Liam and Kensley; twin sister, Diana Jane Oden of Ruffsdale, PA, three sister-in-law’s, numerous nieces and nephews, long-time friend Denny Zeravica and ornery dog, Jax. Friends will be received from 3 – 5 pm on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at the Beatty-Rich Funeral Home, Inc. - Ronald A. Rich Jr., Supervisor/FD. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, November 21, 2022 at the funeral home with Fr. David J. Nazimek officiating. Interment will follow at the West Newton Cemetery in West Newton, PA. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Excela Westmoreland Hospital and Daryann, Wendy and Jackie at Excela Hospice. 

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