Obituary of Donald F. Dygert

Donald Frederick Dygert 87, of Roanoke, Virginia passed away on October 4, 2023. Donald was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on May 16, 1936. Donald was predeceased by his parents, Frederick Ernest Dygert and Mildred Grace Ford, his brother William Dygert, sister-in-law Cynthia Dygert, and granddaughter Aleezah Devorah Clarke.

Surviving are his wife Gladys Rosaline Dygert of Roanoke, Virginia, his nieces Susan Dygert of Scottsdale , Arizona, Deborah Kashian of Phoenix, Arizona, nephew David Dygert of Phoenix, Arizona, son Randy Clarke of Saco, Maine, son Thomas Clarke and his daughter-in-law Ana Clarke of Cloverdale, Virginia and grandchildren and great-grandchildren Danielle Lang, Clarissa Clarke, Matthew Clarke, Samuel Clarke, Annasophia Clarke, Amelia Clarke, Alexander Lang, Hannah Lang, Silas Barth, Carly Clarke, and Drew Clarke.

Don completed his undergraduate studies at the Boston University School of Music and graduated with a Masters Degree from the University of Michigan School of Music. Don was a band and orchestra director at schools in Maine and Michigan and tutored countless students on brass instruments, throughout a career lasting over 60 years. Don was a regular participant in local bands playing the trombone and trumpet, with musical interest ranging from the big band era to dixieland, blues, and jazz. Don toured with the Teddy Lee Orchestra and the Jan Garber and Chuck Foster dance orchestras. He fondly remembered performing with the Duke Ellington Band on one occasion and soloing with the Alabama Symphony. Don and Glad enjoyed daily walks and traveled frequently for adventure and being with loved ones. Don was happy to be a part of the band and congregation at Bonsack Baptist Church.

A Memorial Service will be conducted at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Oakey’s East Chapel in Roanoke. Calling hours will be from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM on the day of the service. A private interment will be held at the South Onondaga Cemetery in Nedrow, New York, at a later date.

Ballweg and Lunsford Funeral Home has care of arrangements.