Donald W. Zahn, 85, a lifelong resident of Freedom, Pa, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 31, 2024, in Heritage Valley Hospital, Beaver. Don was born May 19, 1939, in New Brighton, and was the oldest of four children to the late Willis E. and Dorothy Musgrave Zahn. Don graduated from Freedom High School in 1957and was the class president. He then received a Bachelor’s Degree from Geneva College as he and his wife, JoAnn, began raising their young family. He then began a successful career lasting 45 years with Valvoline/Ashland Petroleum Company, where he began as a shipping clerk and advanced to become the refinery and plant manager. Don was also co-owner of J&J Catering, Freedom. Don was extremely involved in the Beaver County Community where he held more than 15 positions. These were to include Freedom Area School Board, Mayor of Freedom, as well as the code enforcement officer, Penn State University Advisory Board, McGuire Board of Directors, Reeves Bank Board of Directors, Beaver County YMCA Board of Directors, First Nation Advisory Board, CCBC Board of Directors, Freedom/Liberty Bell Board of Directors and United Way of Central Valley. Don had an affinity for all Pittsburgh sports teams, but he held a passionate love for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Don was a faithful contributing member of St. Felix, Roman Catholic Church, Our Lady of the Valley, Freedom, where he attended weekly mass until the time of his illness. Don’s family cared for him dearly in life and continues to love him endlessly in this time. Don always greeted family with, “Tell me something good”, and always said goodbye with, “Call me if you need anything”.
Don is survived by his wife of 65 years, JoAnn Golletti Zahn, two sons and daughters in law, Donald A. and Cassie Zahn, Jeffrey “Glenn” and Karin Zahn, one daughter and son in law, LeeAnn and Mike Tibolet, six grandchildren, Michael (Chelsea), Donnie Zahn, Kristi (Nicki), Christian (Megan), Elizabeth and Ally and four great grandchildren, one brother, Jerry (Barb) Zahn, two sisters, Dorothy (Bob) Kocher, Reverend Nancy Zahn, a brother and sister in law, Ron and Jackie Golletti and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his mother and father in law, Tony and Rose Golletti.
Friends will be received Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 3 to 7 in The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. A mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, June 6, at 10 a.m. at St. Felix Roman Catholic Church, Freedom, Pa. Officiating will be Father Bill Schwartz. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Freedom. Family wishes memorial contributions be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Don’s loving family would like to thank all the talented and career health professionals who cared for him and enjoyed spending time with him.