Donald R. Thurin

March 23, 1931 - April 2, 2019

Donald R. Thurin, 88, of Benicia, passed away peacefully in a local hospital surrounded by his family. He was born in Chicago moved to Vallejo with his family in 1941. He was a graduate of St. Vincent High School, Class of 1949. It was there that he met the love of his life Elizabeth Murphy. He attended St. Mary’s College on a basketball scholarship prior to entering the armed forces. He enlisted in the California National Guard and was activated into the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1952. After Don returned from the Army and Liz graduated from nursing school, they were married on November 7th, 1953 at St. Vincent Catholic Church. The family lived in Vallejo for many years and then moved to Benicia in 1971. Don worked more than 40 years for Pacific Telephone and Telegraph, retiring in 1986. Don was a member of St. Dominic Parish and The Knights of Columbus Father Vilarrasa Council 7268. He enjoyed traveling and spending summers on family camping trips. Later in retirement Don and Liz enjoyed many motorhome trips with their lifelong friends. Dad loved Lake County and spending time at the family cabin on Cobb Mountain. He was a avid sports fan enjoyed rooting for the San Francisco Giants. He is survived by Liz, his wife of 65 years; son Joe (Debi) Thurin; daughters Carol (Jack) Kemper, Susanne Olson, Mary (Steve) Upton and Beth (Frank) Hussar; sister Marjorie Walsh; sister-in-law Aileen Murphy; 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Don is preceded in death by his infant children Ann and James, and brother Mel. Visitation will be from 2-5 Tuesday at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel, 901 West Second Street, Benicia. Vigil services will be held at 7:00 p.m. at St. Dominic Church, 475 East I Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Dominic Church followed by burial with Military Honors in St. Dominic Cemetery. Family prefers donations to St. Vincent/St. Patrick High School or St. Dominic Parish. He was a GREAT guy who was loved by all and will be greatly missed!