Donald James Deal

Donald James Deal, age 88, of Dover, died peacefully early Wednesday, February 4, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born in Denver, Colorado on October 21, 1937, Don was a son of the late Donald W. and Evelyn E. Reagan Deal. Shortly after birth, his family relocated to Stark County. Don graduated from Culver Military Academy and soon entered into the United States Marine Corps Reserves and during that period was called to active duty.

Upon his discharge, Don returned home to Canton, Ohio and to his work at the Timken Roller Bearing Company where he started prior to his active-duty status. Don began his 41-year career in Canton as a machinist, worked his way to foreman, and was transferred to New Philadelphia where he became Plant General Supervisor.

In 1960, Don met the love of his life, Mary C. Doll and even while away serving his country kept letter correspondence with Mary. The two married on May 26, 1962, in Canton. Together, they enjoyed raising their five children, and guided them all into fulfilling lives. They also shared their passion for many other fun activities like golf and bowling. Don became quite accomplished in both of those activities. During one of his many league bowling sessions, he hit a 300 game. On the golf course, he frequently accomplished his goal of shooting below his age, and was the proud striker of four holes-in-one.

Aside from his sports hobbies, Don was a lifelong lover of Lionel Trains. He loved collecting, buying, trading, running, and even fixing train sets. He loved anything with gears, and loved working on cars as well. He was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Church in New Philadelphia where he served the church as a Master of Ceremonies and taught many generations of youth to be servers for Mass. Each of those youth were special to him as he took them under his wing and shared not only his knowledge but took a genuine interest in the lives and goings-on of each of his “students.”

In addition to his wife of 63 years, Don is survived by their five children, Catherine Deal of Columbus, Ohio, Donald (Brenda) Deal of Mooresville, North Carolina, Denise Cuddy (Jim Jones) of Hillard, Ohio, Dennis (Stacey) Deal of Lewis Center, Ohio, and Susanne (Justin) Gray of Medina, Ohio; his beloved grandchildren, Sam Deal, Andrew Cuddy, Bailey, Dennis and Davis Deal, Ayden, Noah and Addison Shuman, and Jacob and Dylan Gray; a sister-in-law, Thelma Deal of Melbourne, Florida; a niece, Leanne Mason; and two nephews, David Deal and Rick Greene.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by a stillborn infant son, James Deal, and a brother, David L. Deal.

The family will greet guests on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 1 – 3 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia where a wake service will follow at 3 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Jeff Coning on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 10:30 AM in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in New Philadelphia. Burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in New Philadelphia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Don’s name may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.