Obituary for Donald Michael VeRell
DONALD M. VERELL, 71, of White Stone passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of February 13th, 2021. Don was the son of the late John William and Marie Annette VeRell of Richmond and a graduate of John Marshall High School.
Don is survived by the love of his life, Darlene VeRell, his wife of 26 years. He was a loving, devoted father to his three daughters, Deborah Esposito (Stephen), Rebecca Pratt (Tim) and Cynthia Purves (Jay) and the adored “Grandy” to Chase, John, Ryan, Kaia and Eliana, his five grandchildren.
Don was very proud of his lifelong service to his country and community. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force in the three years he was stationed at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. As the youngest of his unit, he was affectionally nicknamed “Pup” and remained so for the next 50 years when his Air Force buddies would call.
After his honorable discharge, Don returned home and joined the City of Richmond Fire Department in 1974. He quickly received and will forever be known by the nickname “Julio”. He was the recipient of the Fire Medal Award for his acts of heroism in 1977. After 28 years of dedicated service, Don retired and fulfilled his dream of living on the Chesapeake Bay in White Stone, Virginia.
Don had a passion for many sports, especially watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. He enjoyed playing softball with his USAF and RFD teams. Don also loved playing golf and spending time with his many friends on their annual Myrtle Beach trips. He was an easy going, fun-loving, happy soul who loved to play a good prank.
Don never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face. His heart was generous and his spirit was kind, particularly for all of his animals.
To know Don was to love him. He will be truly missed by all of us.
A Celebration of Don’s Life is planned for this spring on the Chesapeake Bay. Memorial donations may be made to the White Stone Volunteer Fire Department or The Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck.
Don is survived by the love of his life, Darlene VeRell, his wife of 26 years. He was a loving, devoted father to his three daughters, Deborah Esposito (Stephen), Rebecca Pratt (Tim) and Cynthia Purves (Jay) and the adored “Grandy” to Chase, John, Ryan, Kaia and Eliana, his five grandchildren.
Don was very proud of his lifelong service to his country and community. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force in the three years he was stationed at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. As the youngest of his unit, he was affectionally nicknamed “Pup” and remained so for the next 50 years when his Air Force buddies would call.
After his honorable discharge, Don returned home and joined the City of Richmond Fire Department in 1974. He quickly received and will forever be known by the nickname “Julio”. He was the recipient of the Fire Medal Award for his acts of heroism in 1977. After 28 years of dedicated service, Don retired and fulfilled his dream of living on the Chesapeake Bay in White Stone, Virginia.
Don had a passion for many sports, especially watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. He enjoyed playing softball with his USAF and RFD teams. Don also loved playing golf and spending time with his many friends on their annual Myrtle Beach trips. He was an easy going, fun-loving, happy soul who loved to play a good prank.
Don never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face. His heart was generous and his spirit was kind, particularly for all of his animals.
To know Don was to love him. He will be truly missed by all of us.
A Celebration of Don’s Life is planned for this spring on the Chesapeake Bay. Memorial donations may be made to the White Stone Volunteer Fire Department or The Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck.