Donald Thomas McCloskey passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at the age of 78. He was born April 1, 1933 in Newark, NJ as the eldest child of Thomas McCloskey and Pauline Lawing. Don grew up in Belleville, NJ and attended the University of Notre Dame to which he attributed having a great impact on his character and personal beliefs. After attending Notre Dame, he entered the Naval Cadet program and started flight training in 1956, receiving his wings of gold in 1957. He flew a variety of aircraft during his naval career including both seaplanes and helicopters. Don flew the P5M and was one of the last to land on the waters of Pensacola Bay. He also enjoyed his tours as an instructor in VT-3 at Whiting Field and HT-8 at Ellyson Field. Don graduated in the first class from UWF in 1969, receiving a BS, followed by a MBA. After retiring from the United States Navy in 1974, he worked at the Naval Hospital in Command Evaluation, retiring in 2009. He was a Certified Public Accountant. Dons involvement in the community included over 40 years of service to St. Pauls Catholic Church and School. His numerous roles at St. Pauls included president of the school board, president of the parish council, Eucharistic ministry, scripture reader and usher. A long time runner, Don was active in the Pensacola Runners Association for many years. He served as president and treasurer of the PRA and was awarded the Lou Gregory Spirit award for demonstrating leadership and enthusiasm. When his running days came to a close, he stayed active in the local running scene as an announcer. Don was the popular voice and personality at the finish line of many annual runs such as McGuires, Fiesta of Five Flags and numerous others. Don embodied persistence and perseverance. Although he won an occasional award for running, he was the recipient of multiple awards for finishing the race and capturing the spirit of the event. Dons positive attitude was infectious. He was always ready with a smile and a handshake for anyone he met and he always met a friend. His grandchildren marveled at his ability to run into a friend anywhere in the country. He was dedicated to God, family, country and the Fighting Irish. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas McCloskey and George and Pauline Arnold, and his brother, Robert McCloskey. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane; daughters Nina (Mark) Fanfalone, and Kimberly Chope, and son Christopher McCloskey, all of Pensacola; and his seven grandchildren Nora and Miles Fanfalone, Jack and Emma Chope, and Hunter, Kyle and Katie McCloskey. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Sinapi of Saylorsburg, PA. A Mass in celebration of the life of Don will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church on Monday, August 15, 2011 at 10:30 with a reception to follow in the parish hall. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the Mass. A private burial will take place on Tuesday, August 16 at Barrancas National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, 5200 Bayou Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32503; or the Notre Dame Club of Pensacola Scholarship Fund, Office of Financial Aid, 115 Main Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556. HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.