Obituary of Donald Alexander Symon

Donald Alexander Symon, 85, passed away Monday, August 19, 2019 at the William Child’s Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida. Born in Fairlawn, New Jersey, he moved to Palm Bay in 1995 from York, Pennsylvania. Donald was born February 5, 1934, on a record-cold morning, to the late Albert and Tilly Symon. He is survived by two brothers, Robert Symon of Dallas, Texas, and Allister Symon of Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Donald served in the US Navy from 1957-1958 in active duty, and from 1952-1956 in the Reserves. He worked as a salesman engineer for Detroit Diesel and Isuzu. He was an avid reader, studying both historical and current events, and always enjoyed learning new things. He will be remembered for his ability to connect with people, both in person and by telephone and for his love of talking and visiting with anyone who had time to spare. One week prior to his passing, Donald was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Shirley White Symon. His family includes children Frank Symon and his wife Janice of Grand Island, NY; Melanie Tanner and her husband Tom of Palm Bay, FL; and Susan Nugent and her husband Carlos, Melbourne Beach FL. He was the proud grandfather of six and great-grandfather of one, whose life stories he would share with everyone he met; grandchildren Aaron Nugent, Dustin Tanner and his wife Brittany, Brett Tanner, Gregory Symon, Rebecca Symon, Wesley Tanner and great granddaughter Stella Marino (Nugent). A joint service for Donald and his wife, Shirley, will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, September 6, at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. A reception will follow in Palm Bay, FL.