Saratoga Springs, NY - Donald Morningstar Straus passed away on November 6, 2021 from complications due to Parkinson's disease. Born on May 11, 1937, almost a year after his brother Benjamin G. Straus, he was the son to the late Benjamin Joseph Straus, a native of New York City, and the late Christina Ritchie Straus, who was born in Dunoon, Scotland.

Donald attended local schools in Saratoga and graduated from Saratoga High in 1955. He played intermural basketball and was involved in several plays. After graduating, Donald served in the US Navy for three years circa 1958-1961 mostly on a destroyer escort called the US Abbott in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. He also worked for the New York State Government in various capacities. Donald was a family descendent of Benjamin Goldsmith, who settled in Saratoga Springs in 1860.

Donald loved to travel and visited with his brother when his brother was stationed in Ankara, Turkey. They traveled together to Istanbul to see the sights there. Donald lived at the family home on 180 Phila Street. After his parents died he and his brother sold the house and he moved to 92 High Rock Avenue until his problems with Parkinson's forced him to go to the Wesley Health Care Center. The help and comfort that he received from Misty Straus and Helen Wilkinson was invaluable for him in his struggles with his disease.

Along with his brother, Benjamin G. Straus, Donald leaves behind is two nephews John Clark Nichols and Edward Nichols, as well as many cousins and family members.

Relatives and friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Monday, November 15 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY (518-584-5373) immediately followed by a funeral home service. Burial with Military Honors will follow at 2:30pm at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com