Donald P. Medler, 76

Former Rockville Centre resident Donald P. Medler of North Sea Beach Colony, Southampton, died suddenly on May 14 surrounded by his family.

Medler was born on March 22, 1935 to Dr. Raymond F. and Mae (Wilson) Medler. He grew up in Richmond Hill and attended Xavier High School. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1956 where he made many lifelong friends. Upon graduation, Medler served as an officer in the U.S. Navy, stationed in New York. In 1958 he met and married the love of his life, Bonnie Britt. The couple was blessed

with seven loving children and 15 grandchildren.

Medler had been going to Southampton since 1940 and in those 70 plus years he developed a lifelong love and affection for North Sea Beach Colony. He loved to sail, ride the ocean waves and play golf at Southampton Golf Club.

Medler spent his career as an entrepreneur in the international garment industry. He travelled extensively for work and continued to enjoy travelling in retirement. Ireland was one his favorite places to visit. In 2008, Don and Bonnie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Dingle, Ireland with their children.

In addition to his beloved wife, Medler is survived by his loving children Kathy Gorman (Bill), Maggie Lane (Pat), Julie, Don, Christine Ford (Doug), Tricia Lederer (Matt) and Mary Liz Viviano (Paul); his adoring grandchildren Andrew Gorman, Dan, Brittany, Emily and Matt Lane, Katie, Allie, Annie and Riley Ford, Madeline, Luke and Owen Lederer and Joe, Emma and Tommy Viviano; and his loving siblings Raymond and Mary Jane.

Medler was a kind, loving, faithful man who always had a smile on his face and had nice things to say about those around him. He made treasured friends throughout his life. He was a quiet gentleman who will be dearly missed.

Medler’s life was celebrated on May 18 with a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church in Southampton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Human Resources of the Hamptons at www.hrhamptons.org, or

168 Hill Street #A, Southampton, NY 11968.