Donald Ralph Deifer
June 11th 1941 – July 13th, 2025
Don was born June 11th, 1941 in Allentown, PA to the late Raymond Walter Deifer and the late Virginia Fenstermacher Hock. Don grew up in Whitehall, PA and spent many late years in Raleigh, NC.
Those left to cherish his many amazing memories, and accomplishments are his wife of nearly 60 years, Shirley Mae Deifer, his children Melissa (Missi) Hicks, Bradley Deifer, his spouse Michelle (Shelly) Deifer, and his 4 loving grandchildren, Emma Hicks (20), Zachary Deifer (21), Elijah Deifer (18) and Wyatt Deifer (15). All of Raleigh, NC. Don is also survived by his brother Jerry Deifer of Coplay PA. He was preceded in death by his son in law, William Henry Hicks and his brothers, Barry Deifer and Bobby Deifer.
Don was a graduate of Whitehall High School in 1959 in Whitehall, PA. He graduated from The Citadel in 1964, with some course work at Villanova in Pennsylvania. After a stint at the Citadel, Don moved on to flying jets for the US Air Force. After his military service, He followed his father to Mack Trucks, in the engineering department. He was advanced to the Director of International Operations, in that role Don traveled the world and did business in over 125 countries throughout the world. He was a world traveler, meeting dignitaries, and famous athletes along the way. Don was honored to represent Mack Trucks on President Nixon’s team that opened trade with China. He and Shirley also represented the United States at the Unite Nations ball in New York City. He was an endless source of stories the grandchildren loved to hear.
Don was a diehard fan of any Philadelphia sport teams, Eagles, Philles, Sixers. He loved The Citadel football and was a big supporter of the Carolina Hurricanes hockey.
He was always there for family, and he prided himself on the ability to repair anything, making him the family repairman. Don was a loving and dedicated husband and father. In the 60 years of their relationship, they spent many years traveling, attending social events with friends, and family vacations. They were permanent fixtures for years and years attending sporting events for their children and grandchildren. We were all fortunate enough to have so many years together and create amazing memories in both the big moments, like holiday gatherings and extended family vacations and the small everyday moments as well.
There was nothing Don would not do for his children and has been a consistent pillar in their lives. This loss will provide a tremendous void for them. He was an extremely hands-on grandfather, and the grandchildren were the light of his life and he of theirs. He will be greatly missed.
We will be bringing Don home to Pennsylvania to honor his life. A service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1:30 pm at St. John’s UCC, Mickleys in Whitehall, PA. Fellowship and visitation with the family will be held immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Transitions Hospice (Donate to Transitions LifeCare: Impact End-of-Life Care) or to St. John’s United Church of Christ, Mickleys, in Whitehall, PA. (Home | St John’s U.C.C.- Mickleys