Donald Vanneste, age 93, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025.
Donald was born on December 25, 1931 in Duluth Minnesota to Belgian immigrants, Alphonse and Mary (Smet) Vanneste. Donald grew up in Proctor Minnesota and graduated from high school there. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in accounting in 1954. Donald was a Certified Public Accountant, beginning his career in the public accounting firm of Wirtanen and Esterbrooks. During his time there, he worked on the Chun King and Jenos Inc accounts.
This connection led Donald to leave the public accounting firm to work full-time at Jeno’s Inc. where he would remain for the next 34 years. In 1986, he and his family moved to Orlando Florida with Paulucci International. He retired as Senior Vice President of Paulucci International in 2002. Don and his wife moved to The Villages after his retirement. Donald was a devout Catholic. He enjoyed spending time with his family, attending church events, and listening to music at the Spanish Springs square.
Donald was the beloved husband of Catherine and proud father of four children: Marie Hanna (Ray Lambert) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Peter (Beverly) Vanneste of Pensacola, Florida, Charles (Jane) Vanneste of Orlando, Florida, and Michael (Sandi) Vanneste of North Vernon, Indiana. He is also survived by four grandchildren: David (Justine) Hanna, Thomas Hanna, Andrew Vanneste, and Alexandria Vanneste, as well as his brother, Richard Vanneste (Linda Manfre) of Sebastian, Florida.
The family expresses appreciation for the wonderful care provided by the staff of Cornerstone Hospice and Buffalo Crossing Rehabilitation.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark’s the Evangelist Church, 7081 SE Hwy 42, Summerfield, FL 34491 on Thursday August 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Luncheon following mass in church social hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.