Donald Edward Kane died at home, on December 24, 2024, with his daughter and granddaughter by his side.

 

Don was born in East Orange, New Jersey, on September 12, 1929, to Carl Kane and Marie Schlight Kane. He spent his early childhood living on the grounds of Wallkill Correctional Facility and Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in New York, where his father was a teacher and warden. After his father's death, Don and his mother moved to Queens, NY. There, Don found a merry band of friends. Marshall's Bar became the epicenter of his vibrant and sometimes raucous social life. It was at Marshall's that he met -- thanks to his dear cousin Chris for the introduction -- Eileen Gayda, a gorgeous Jersey girl who would become his wife of 64 years.

 

Don graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor's degree in 1951. He then enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed as an officer in Okinawa, Japan for two years. He and Eileen kept in touch during his time away. Upon his return to New York, he courted Eileen with dates to house parties and White Castle. They married in September of 1955. Don went on to get a master's degree from Columbia in international studies.

 

Don and Eileen shared a love for adventure and a curiosity about the world. Shortly after marrying, they quit their jobs and travelled Europe before returning to New Jersey to start their family. Their European jaunt as a young couple sparked a lifelong love for travel, and Don and Eileen especially enjoyed their many trips to Ireland in their retirement. 

 

Don and Eileen moved to Massachusetts with their infant daughter, Terry, in 1959, when Don began his 29-year career at the MITRE Corporation. Their son, John, was born in 1961. Don's job at MITRE took the young family to Paris, France, for three years. Don and Eileen embraced French culture and cuisine, trying as many Michelen-starred restaurants as they could. 

 

The family returned stateside in 1964. Don and Eileen bought a house in Newton, Massachusetts. This would be the home they shared for the rest of their lives. The Newton house was a warm gathering place for countless dinner parties and holiday celebrations, and Don and Eileen never hesitated to host a friend in need. In 2023, four generations gathered at Kane Manor to celebrate Christmas, the merriness aided by Don's famous holiday punch. 

 

Don was known for his quick wit, his intellectual prowess, and his quiet but unfailing generosity. He was an avid reader. He loved the New York Giants, Boston College women's basketball, and sacred TV time in the evenings with his daughter, Terry. Don enjoyed a very dry martini with a twist until he turned 90, at which point he vowed to only drink single malt scotch that was at least 12 years old. 

 

Don was beloved by his grandchildren, who were so lucky to experience their Grampy's wisdom, humor, and generosity into their adulthood. 

 

Don is predeceased by his parents, Carl and Marie Kane, and his beloved wife, Eileen Gayda Kane. He is survived and missed by his daughter Terry (Rich) Manhardt, son John (Lori) Kane, and grandchildren Catherine, Carl and Enna, and Annie and Pat, great-granddaughter Cecilia, favorite bartender and friend Ethan, and dear cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. 

 

Don was interred at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. His arrangements were thoughtfully handled by the Andrew J. Magni & Son Funeral Home in Newton. Donations in Don's memory can be made to the Pine Street Inn in Boston (https://www.pinestreetinn.org/).