Plan for the Future
Donald T. Thelander, 69, of Chatham, New Jersey passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, NJ.
Donald was born on April 17, 1947 in New York City, NY. He was the son of the late Mrs. Mary (nee Curran) Thelander.
Donald was a graduate of Seton Hall University with a Bachelor’s in political science. He furthered his education at Rutgers University where he received his Juris Doctor degree. He practiced law for over 30 years, both in private practice and as a New Jersey State Public Defender.
In his spare time, Don enjoyed golfing and tennis, playing poker with friends, and spending time down the shore. He liked listening to country music and traveling with his beloved wife. He absolutely loved being “Papa” and spending time with his cherished grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Patricia R. Thelander. He was the loving father of daughters, Erin Dalton and husband John, Kelly Thelander and wife Nancy, and Shannon Grispino and husband Louis. He is survived by his six grandchildren; Reilly and Piper Tagle, Callan and Holden Dalton, and Andrew and Kerry Grispino. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Thelander and wife Patricia B., and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, November 25, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Wm. A. Bradley & Son Funeral Home, 345 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928. Words of remembrance will start at noon in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s name to the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America, www.apraxia-kids.org.