Donald Eugene Treash

Donald Eugene Treash, age 87, of Shelton, passed away October 30, 2021. He was born in Bloomington, IL to the late Walter and Nanie Treash.  Growing up as the eighth of nine children during the Great Depression, Don spoke humorously of his humble beginnings sharing a twin bed with his younger brother (with an oft-disputed imaginary line drawn down the middle) and getting only a single orange in his stocking at Christmas.  Ever the hard worker, Don got his first job as a paper boy when he was 10 and soon became a top-performer who was awarded a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Chicago and go to a Cubs game.  Don was a lifelong Cubs fan who loved to joke about his longsuffering loyalty.  Using money from his paper route, other odd jobs, and funds borrowed from his oldest brother, Don attended the University of Illinois, earning a degree in Business Administration.  After graduation, he began his career working for Libby’s in downtown Chicago; he worked for Libby’s in Human Resources until it was acquired by Nestle, where he worked until retirement.

Growing up in Bloomington, Don was a member of his local Evangelical United Brethren Church, where his life was forever impacted by the loving mentorship of its pastor, the Rev. H.I. Newell.  Once in Chicago, Don began attending Central Avenue Baptist Church, where he met the love of his life, Gloria Whitman.  The two married in 1960 and celebrated 61 years of marriage in July 2021.  

In 1977, they moved to Trumbull, Connecticut, and were faithful members of Black Rock Church in Fairfield, where Don was an elder, taught Bible classes, and mentored many younger individuals and couples in their personal lives and marriages.  He also was the Teaching Director of Community Bible Study for many years, and on the board of the Christian Counseling Center, also in Fairfield.  His wisdom, kindness, and humility was long admired by many, and his absence will be felt deeply, especially by his children and grandchildren - who have rarely made an important decision without talking with him first.

Don loved sports and played tennis for many years while living in Trumbull; he also loved travel, faithfully visiting his children wherever they wandered (China, Israel, Scotland, Bermuda), and loved road trips, cruises, and hiking adventures with his bride and dear friends.  

Survivors include his beloved wife Gloria (Whitman) Treash, three devoted children (Reverend Stephen Treash and his wife Jennifer; Robert Treash; and Dr. Laura (Treash) Minor and her husband James), four cherished grandchildren (Abigail Chau and her wife Hong; Joseph Minor; Caileigh Treash and Parker Treash), and four siblings (Violet Woll; June Fry; Alice Williams; and James Treash), as well as and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to attend his memorial service on Thursday, November 11, 2021, 1:00 p.m. at Black Rock Church, 3685 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT. 
Memorial contributions may be made to the Global Missions Program of Black Rock Church.

Arrangements in care of the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Rd. Trumbull.  For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.mullinsfh.com

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