Poughkeepsie – Donald C. Dingee of Poughkeepsie, NY and Tucson, AZ passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on May 1, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Carondelet Hospital in Tucson, AZ. Don was born on June 14, 1932 in Union Vale, NY to the late Maud A. Dingee Cacchio and Donald S. Dingee of Poughkeepsie, NY. Don is survived by his loving wife, Anita L. Dingee of Tucson, AZ and Poughkeepsie, NY. Also surviving are his children, Donald W. Dingee & wife Joanne of Hyde Park, NY; Theresa E. Rink of Studio City, CA; Michael K. Dingee and wife Deborah of Raleigh, NC; David J. Dingee and wife Maureen of Chicopee, MA; Darlene R. Jorgensen and husband Ronald of Tucson, AZ; Scott C. Dingee and wife Kelly of Phoenix, AZ; Mark D. Dingee and wife Jeanette Johnson of Phoenix, AZ; stepson Nicholas Drakides of New York City, NY. Don will be dearly missed by his loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. Don’s grandchildren include William C. Dingee, Kathleen B. Dingee, Carrie Ann Rink, Justin M. Dingee, Sarah P. Dingee, Samantha J. Jorgensen, Kory D. Dingee, Johnathen Barton, Jasen Barton, Devin Kurtz, Kayla Kurtz, Cody Dingee and wife Justine. Don’s great-grandchildren include Jocelyn E. Montoya and Ethan Dingee. He will be clearly missed by his siblings, Richard O. Dingee & wife Barbara of Raleigh, NC, Leland S. Dingee & wife Helena of Williamsburg, VA and Dorothea L. Still of Millbrook, NY. All of Don’s nieces and nephews will miss their wonderful Uncle Don. Don had many accomplishments during his life. After graduating from Arlington High School in 1950, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea. He was wounded during the Korean conflict at Outpost Harry in 1952, for which he received the Purple Heart. During this conflict, President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s son directed the divisions to “hold at all costs”. A military documentary was made by Glen Palmetto Smith, named “Hold at All Costs” depicting the importance of this historic event. Don’s life was saved by an amazing young man, Charlie Johnson, who lost his life courageously saving Don and several others, as told in The Charlie Johnson Legacy. Spending 6 months recovering from his wounds in Yokohama hospital, Don made a promise to Charlie, “l’m going to have a family big enough for the both of us.” And he did just that.
Upon returning to the states, Don was transferred to Valley Forge, PA hospital where he spent many months recovering from his injuries. He then returned to Poughkeepsie, NY where he had an illustrious career at IBM, World Trade division, making many international friends. In 1982, he transferred to Tucson, AZ where he ultimately retired. Following his retirement from IBM, Don and his wife Anita enjoyed a successful career in real estate for 16 years. During his retirement years, Don enjoyed his time playing cards with his granddaughters, stream fishing and visiting with family and friends, both in Tucson and Poughkeepsie.
Don will be cremated and his ashes will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC with full military honors. Don was influential in Charlie Johnson receiving the well-deserved Silver Star award posthumously. The events of this battle were illustrated at the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, DC in May of 2010, Where actors Dennis Haysbert and Gary Sinise did a beautiful job of authentically portraying the roles of Charlie and Don, Don also was a lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion. He was Commander of the Arizona Order of the Purple Heart, and was on the committee to establish the Arizona State Purple Heart license plate. Don’s was one of first of such license plates, at OOO4. Don’s lifelong courage and unmatched passion for life served as an inspiration to his family and friends. He always had a kind word, a smile, laughter and a positive attitude, even during the most difficult of times. He was a true hero, not just to his family, but also to his country. His signature sign-off to a phone call with those he held dear, “Love ya Baby”, will never be forgotten. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in all of its many heart-felt forms.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that any donations please be sent to Charlie Johnson Legacy Fund scholarship at Arlington High School, where the “Wall of Remembrance” is located: Charlie Johnson Legacy Fund Arlington- Education Foundation.
