Cdr. Donald Arye

Cdr. Donald Ayre, 81, U.S. Navy retired, of Pottsville, formerly of Lake Marie, Fla, died Wednesday at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville. He was born November 13, 1932 in Tunkhannock, son of the late James and Charlotte Cleveland Ayre. He was a graduate of Tunkhannock High School and East Stroudsburg University. Don devoted his career to the Navy, serving during the Vietnam War as a Surface Warfare Officer, where he received the purple heart, bronze star and numerous other medals and commendations. He was preceded in death by his wife, the former JoAnn Ashman on June 18, 2010; a son, Stephen; 3 brothers, Delmar, Kenneth and Robert; 2 sisters, Dorothy Jaches and Beverly Faux: Surviving are 2 sons; David, and Donald; a daughter, Donna Harris: a brother, Glen; 2 sisters, Gladys St. Clair and Gertrude Wise: Nieces and nephews. Services and Interment will be held at the convenience of the family at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven. The family would prefer remembrances in form of contributions made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 W. Arch St. Pottsville, PA 17901 or a Veterans charity of your choice. James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville, is in charge of arrangements.