Obituary of Donald A Rae

Donald A. Rae "Murph", 88, formerly of Washington, NJ passed away peacefully on October 11, 2015 at the NJ Fireman's Home in Boonton, NJ where he was a resident for the past year. He was born in Mendham, NJ on November 10, 1926 to the late, Walter and Helen Rae. Donald was fondly known by all as "Murph." He was born and raised in Mendham and a graduate of Morristown High School. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Murph worked as a Mason Laborer and was a member of Union local 711, retiring in 1988. He was a member of the American Legion and a past member of the Pastime club in Mendham. He was also a fireman in Mendham for many years. Murph was very athletic. He was an excellent bowler, and enjoyed tennis and football, but was most known for his baseball skills. He played for the Somerset Morris league in his early years. He was so talented at baseball that the NY Yankee's drafted him in 1950 for their farm team. While his baseball career was short-lived, the return to his beloved Mendham eventually led him to meet and marry his best friend, Cecelia. Murph was a vibrant man with a winning personality. He was kind and loving, and his big heart and hearty laugh endeared him to everyone he met. Murph will, most assuredly, be missed by all who knew him. In addition to his devoted wife of 43 years Cecelia, he is survived by his loving children, Susan Peterson and her husband Bob, Kevin Dooney and his wife Karen, Robin Supplee, Karen Vogel and her husband Steve, Alice Dooney, and a sister Jane Snedaker, 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was a wonderful uncle to many, many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Brian Dooney, a son-in-law, Bill Supplee, a granddaughter, Jesse Vogel, and his siblings, Walter Rae, Helen Merton, Marilyn Molinaro, Wilma Tremper, and Peggy Rae. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church 200 Carlton Ave., Washington, NJ 07882. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis TN 38101-9908 or the Mendham Fire Department, 2 West Main Street, Mendham, NJ 07945