Don A Commodore

Don A. Commodore, age 85, of Little River, South Carolina, died early Friday October 17th is lovingly honored by his family and friends for a life marked by service, dedication, and deep compassion.

Born on January 12, 1940, in Monongah, West Virginia, Don was the son of the late Domenica “Minnie” and Dominick Commodore. He graduated from Monongah High School and proudly served his country as a medic in Frankfurt, Germany with the United States Army.

Don built a distinguished career spanning 35 years with Chico Dairy Co./All Star Foods, where he served as Director of Marketing and Operations. His leadership extended nationally as President of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), where he was respected for his vision and commitment to the industry.

A devout Catholic, Don dedicated much of his life to serving the Church and his community in Preston County, West Virginia. He found his greatest fulfillment as President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for the states of West Virginia and Ohio, believing this role allowed him to make the most meaningful impact by helping those in need. He also served as President of the Finance Council for Preston County and led the Parish Finance Council at St. Zita Catholic Church in Masontown, where he and his beloved late wife, Dorothy “Dotty” Minnich Commodore, taught CCD together for many years.

Don’s passion for farming was evident in the countless hours he spent in the hayfields, tending to his garden, and caring for his livestock. His work ethic and love for the land were a reflection of his grounded spirit and enduring strength.

He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 39 years, Dotty; his son-in-law, CW4 Brent S. Cole; his sister, Rose Cain; and brothers James and Joseph Commodore.

Don is lovingly survived by his wife, Patricia Debalski Commodore; his children: Maria Commodore of Masontown, Vanessa Cole-Brown and husband Aaron Brown of North Myrtle Beach, SC, Vincent Commodore and wife Sheneen of Kingwood, and Justin Commodore and wife Laura of Canton, GA; his twin brother, Thomas Commodari of Monongah; ten grandchildren: Domenica (Demee), Shaffer, Breonna Mancuso, Antonio Mancuso, Dominick Commodore, Kayla Ringer, Isabella Commodore, Carson Cole, Holden Brown, Ashton Commodore, and Avery Commodore; and six great-grandchildren.

A visitation and Funeral Mass on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 12-1:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Howesville with Father Dominic Athishu celebrant, with interment to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that expressions of sympathy be directed to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 322 E. Main St., Kingwood, WV 26537 — a cause close to Don’s heart.

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