Donald Bosley McIlrath, age 91 of Put-in-Bay, OH, died April 25, 2012 at Firelands Medical Center in Sandusky, OH. Born April 11, 1921 in East Cleveland to Webster A. and Helen E. (nee Bosley) McIlrath. Formerly from Chesterland, Don was a descendant of one of the oldest families settling in East Cleveland, Ohio; Thomas McIlrathContinue Reading
Donald Bosley McIlrath, age 91 of Put-in-Bay, OH, died April 25, 2012 at Firelands Medical Center in Sandusky, OH. Born April 11, 1921 in East Cleveland to Webster A. and Helen E. (nee Bosley) McIlrath. Formerly from Chesterland, Don was a descendant of one of the oldest families settling in East Cleveland, Ohio; Thomas McIlrath was a founding member of the Historic First Presbyterian Church in East Cleveland in 1807, Mrs. Sarah McIlrath Shaw, donated the land and helped found Shaw Academy in 1838, later to become Shaw High School in East Cleveland. Don “Mac” graduated in 1939 from Shaw High School and attended Ohio University. Throughout his life he was very active in sports: high school quarterback, softball and baseball, boxer, and a strong swimmer using this talent as a lifeguard at the Shaw pool. He even tried out for a swim team position at The Aquacade located on the lakefront in downtown Cleveland. As part of the Great Lakes Exposition celebrating Cleveland’s Centennial in 1936 -1937, he made the team, but decided not to pursue that path because he would lose his amateur status. Marrying his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Behrend) when they eloped in Napoleon, OH on November 8, 1941. Don served his country proudly during WWII. He joined the US Army in 1942, serving in the US Coastal Artillery before being sent to the European Theatre. Don served as a a Sergeant with Battery B of the 762nd Field Artillery. Actions in which he participated included the Rhineland Campaign, the Battle of the Bulge and the encirclement of the Ruhr Pocket. After Victory in Europe, Don joined the US Armed Forces Football Team which won the European Theatre Championship. Don returned home and left the US Army in December of 1945. Mac’s career path was in sales for several steel companies in the Cleveland area, leading him to open his own very successful scrap metal business, Bay Metal, Inc. Upon retirement, he and Betty were a very adventurous couple, traveling throughout this country and the world. They skied the Rocky Mountains, snowmobiled in Wyoming, white water river rafted in Idaho (at the ages of 81!), several schooner trips off the coast of Maine, boating around the Great Lakes, sailed half way around the world on an ocean liner, even saw the time trials of the America’s Cup Race in Australia. They lived life to the fullest. Their love of the water was enhanced when they purchased a beautiful cottage on the Island of Put-in-Bay in the 60’s and later built their permanent retirement home on the Island in 2003. He was a member of the PIBYC, charter member of the Crew’s Nest and was an Honor Flight participant to Washington, D.C. to see the National World War II Memorial last spring. He was a great story teller of oh so many escapades! Mac was loved by so many and will be missed tremendously by all who ever had the pleasure of spending time with him. After losing Betty this last December, he passed away peacefully, with his family at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, and his oldest daughter Judith Ann (Ted) Harrison of Twinsburg, OH. He is survived by his daughters, Marsha (Jerry) Baumert of Pensacola, FL, Corky (Jerry) Flint of Toledo and Put-in-Bay, OH, Grandchildren, Greg (Amy) Harrison of Fairview Park, OH, Lindy (Rodger) Nodine of Atlanta, GA, Jered (Laura) Baumert of Washington, MI, Seth Baumert of Pensacola, FL, three great-grandchildren, Charlie and Andrew Baumert and Madeline Harrison, three step grandchildren and nine step great-grandchildren. A celebration on Put-in-Bay of Don and Betty’s life will beSunday, August 5, 1:00- 5:00 PM at the Pavilion at The Crew’s Nest, Put in Bay, OH 43456. Remembrances/donations may be made to PIB EMS, P.O. Box 401, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 and Put-in-Bay Fire Local Delivery, Put i Bay, OH 43456. When someone you love becomes a memory, their memory becomes your treasure. Rest in Peace Daddy. We love you and miss you.
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