In Memory

Donald Thelander

Donald Thelander

Obituary DONALD THELANDER 1947 - 2016

Donald T. Thelander Career lawyer and public defender, loving 'Papa' to his grandchildren Donald T. Thelander, 69, of Chatham, N.J., passed away on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, at Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, N.J. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 25, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at the Wm. A. Bradley & Son Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Chatham, N.J. 07928. Words of Remembrance will start at noon in the funeral home. For further information, or to send the family a condolence, please visit, www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com.

Donald was born on April 17, 1947, in New York City, N.Y. He was the son of the late Mrs. Mary (nee Curran) Thelander. Donald was a graduate of Seton Hall University with a bachelor's in political science. He furthered his education at Rutgers University where he received his juris doctor degree. He practiced law for over 30 years, both in private practice and as a New Jersey State public defender. In his spare time, Don enjoyed golfing and tennis, playing poker with friends, and spending time down the shore. He liked listening to country music and traveling with his beloved wife. He absolutely loved being "Papa" and spending time with his cherished grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Patricia R. Thelander. He was the loving father of daughters, Erin Dalton and husband, John, Kelly Thelander and wife, Nancy, and Shannon Grispino and husband, Louis. He is survived by his six grandchildren, Reilly and Piper Tagle, Callan and Holden Dalton, and Andrew and Kerry Grispino. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Thelander and wife, Patricia B., and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don's name to the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America, www.apraxia-kids.org.