Donald Ashby Kinsella

Donald Ashby Kinsella, 80, passed away at his home in Bradenton, FL on February 20, 2018.  Born on January 25, 1938 in Boston, MA. He was the son of James and Pat Kinsella.

Don earned his high school diploma, national track honors and football talent from Brookline High School, and went on to study and further play football at Northeastern University.  He then graduated with a Civil Engineering Degree (P.E.).  He was employed by O’Brien & Gere in Syracuse, NY.  He served the cities of Geneva and Ithaca (NY) and St. Cloud, FL as Public Works Director, City Engineer, and City Manager.  He received the rank of Captain in The Army Corps of Engineers from 1961-1965.  Don served on the American Society of Civil Engineers and Rotary Club as well.  He sang in the choir and was on the Vestry for Trinity Episcopal Church, and was an Elder for St. Cloud Presbyterian Church.  Don loved sailing with his sons and served as Commodore of Seneca Yacht Club in Geneva, NY.

Don's military influence and mentor as a young man was his Uncle Harry Frank Kinsella, who entered the marines at the young age of 16 ( his mother had to sign him in). The he served in the Army where he attained the rank of Colonel. Uncle Harry, his wife Marcena and his children live in the Seattle area.

He is survived by his wife Mardean (Mardy) Mehlert.  He had 4 sons: Kirk (Jennifer), Jeff (Carol), Dan (Carmon), and Paul (Patricia), and one daughter, Meg (Steven).  There are 9 loving grandchildren: Thomas, Matthew, Caleb, Amanda, Nora, Kendall, Colin, Nate and Lucas, and many nephews and nieces …they all called him “Gramps.” Also surviving are his sisters, Joan Keith (Newtown, CT), and Ellie Richards (San Diego, CA).

Preceding him in death were his parents, his Aunt and Uncle, George and Aili Hilton.  Also, Cousin Harry Kinsella and daughter-in-law, Mary McGrogan-Kinsella.

Don loved his family.  Especially his Grandchildren…and his dog, Schnitzel.  He enjoyed books, his computer, politics, and Radio Talk Show Host Dennis Prager.
He supported many charities including, but not limited to, Hillsdale College, The NRA, and The Salvation Army.

He earned the Love, Respect, and Admiration of those who knew him.  His faith in Christ was solid and evident.  And he passed these morals on.  Perhaps his best quality was his enormously gentle hugs.

A Military ceremony will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery on March 23, 2018 at 1230 hours.
Following the ceremony, please join the family for fellowship and lunch at the Gold Tree Clubhouse, Gold Lake Street, Bradenton, FL  34203.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL  34238. https://tidewellhospice.org/welcome/