Donald B. DeGrood, 86, of North Tonawanda, NY passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at his residence. Born in Buffalo, NY he was the son of the late Elmer and Ceclia (Donovan) DeGrood.   Donald attended St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School and South Park High School both in Buffalo, NY. He later attended the University of Buffalo where he earned a Master's Degree in Education.   During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy from May 29, 1945 until his honorable discharge on August 2, 1946. On August 21, 1955 he married Mary Ellen (Beach) DeGrood in Buffalo, NY; she predeceased him in 1977. Donald was employed by the Niagara Falls Board of Education and taught sixth grade at Hyde Park Elementary School until his retirement in 1989. He also served as a member of the Niagara Falls Teachers Union. In his leisure time, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, birding and was a talented musician. He was also a sports enthusiast both as a player of basketball and baseball and as an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, New York Mets and the former Buffalo Braves.

Mr. DeGrood is survived by his three loving children Richard DeGrood of Corfu, NY; Dianne (Joseph) Allaire of Tonawanda, NY and Donald DeGrood of North Tonawanda, NY; six grandchildren Christie Allaire, Patrick Allaire, Robin Allaire, Joseph DeGrood, Kelly DeGrood and Noah DeGrood; one sister Margaret DeGrood of Orchard Park, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by one sister Dorothy (late Peter) Keenan and was the son-in-law of the late Charles Sanford and Mary Theresa Beach.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 19th from 2 – 8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY 14304. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 21 ^st at 10:30 A.M. in St. Vincent DePaul at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 North Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Robert Stolinski officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment with military honors to follow in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Williamsville, NY. If desired, memorial donations may be made to O.L.V Homes of Charity 780 Ridge Rd. Lackawanna, NY 14218. Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online guest register.