Donald W. Huff, a hero, best friend and loving and protective husband and father died Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at this home with his wife at the young age of 80. He now guards the gates of heaven as a faithful and loyal Marine.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife and best friend of forty years, Carol Giemza-Huff.
Don was born in Trenton, NJ in 1931 to the late Joseph and Elvira Brelsford Huff and brother of the late Etta Nelson, Ann Barrett and Clara Haws, Frank, Joseph and Charles Huff and, and his dear friend, Dick Foley.
He was a very special Marine, serving two tours in the Korean Conflict, suffering wounds that caused him to spend two and one half years recovering in the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia. He was decorated with the Bronze Star, Navy Cross and three Purple Hearts. He was faithful to the Corps always wearing the Marine Corps logo on a hat or shirt, Semper Fi Stick.
In this youth his family nicknamed him “Bucky”, he loved baseball and he played football for the Trenton Deacons. He was a big fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and as a spectator enjoyed watching the University of Notre Dame play, Go Irish. Don loved his Catholic faith he was a devout parishioner at the Church of St. Andrew. Before his illness he was actively involved with the RCIA Program and took great pride ushering the Sunday Masses making everyone feel invited. He put a smile on everyone’s face and shared a joke or two before and after Mass. He volunteered at numerous First Holy Communions and Confirmations; he loved seeing all the children at their most special time in their religious life. Don had a love for rescuing Greyhounds, their gentle and calming manner just pulled on his heart strings. His Greyhound, “Alpine” and his Whippet “Charlie, Pots and Pans” will miss him dearly.
In addition to his beloved wife, he leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Cpl. Adam Giemza Huff, U.S.M.C. of West Chester, PA, Midshipman Haley Irene Huff, Drexel University, William Gibbs and his wife Jeanne of Hamilton, NJ, Richard W. Huff and his wife Jean of Fairless Hills, and Barbara Huff Bascara and her husband Jorge of Yardley. He is also survived by his precious grandchildren, Jennifer Krueger (Jason), Corey Huff (Mary Kate), John Huff Bascara, Christina Bascara, Amanda Gibbs, Laura Gibbs, and William Gibbs and his sweet great-grandchildren, River, Michaela, Bailey, Jason, Cali and Brenden. He also leaves a sister, Lois Cranston of Robbinsville, NJ.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend his viewings, Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and on Monday, October 24, 2011 from 8:00 — 9:15 am at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954, and to his Funeral Mass 9:45 am at the Church of St. Andrew, Newtown. His interment will be held privately with honors, at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057. Special thanks to Chandler Hall Hospice Pavilion for their compassionate care.