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Donald McKillop Obituary
Poway
On Saturday May 21, 2022 Donald Robert McKillop Sr. and Patricia Ann McKillop tragically passed away near San Simon, Arizona as they traveled across the country to visit their son, Donnie, and his family.
Don was born in New Kensington, PA, son of Patricia and Donald Minor McKillop. After losing his own father in an accident at the age of five, Don's mother supported Don and his two younger siblings on her own. Don helped out where he could, taking up a paper route at the age of 11.
Upon graduation of Burrell Senior High School, Don joined the Lower Burrell police force. He then attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, majoring in criminology and becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college. After meeting and marrying his wife Patty, Don matriculated at William & Mary Law School, fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer.
Don and Patty took the brave leap to move across the country to San Diego, CA so Don could join the Klinedinst law firm, where he took over a branch of law and built the firm up serving as the COO, CFO and eventually becoming a partner. After 16 years with the firm, Don set up his own practice in which he specialized in defending contractors and construction companies.
His love for litigation was matched by his love of sports, especially football, baseball, and golf.
Patty McKillop was born to James and Virginia Hanlon in New Kensington, PA. The second to youngest of five children, Patty grew up in a loud, loving home and spent much of her childhood playing outside with her siblings and friends in her Plum neighborhood.
Like her future husband Don, Patty too became the person first in her family to attend and graduate from a four-year university. Equipped with her chemical engineering degree from Penn State, Patty supported Don through law school while she worked at a bomb plant near Washington D.C. When the family relocated to San Diego, Patty became an engineer for the United States Navy.
One of the few women in the field early in her career, Patty was not only a trailblazer but also rose through the ranks to become a project manager responsible for collaborating with NATO countries on military technologies, and traveled the world with Don in tow. She was excited to retire in January, 2022 and was looking forward to lots of time spent reading outside on her patio with her dogs.
Don and Patty's 37-year marriage was characterized by shared values of hard work, loyalty, integrity, and family. Don was the ultimate coachhis former players, his family and his friends constantly seeking his guidance and advice. Patty loved to laugh, and her kindness was only matched by her patience. Of all they accomplished in their lives, Don and Patty were most proud of their son Donnie and found so much joy watching him play football and baseball.
They are survived by Donnie and his wife Kate; their grandchildren Donald III, Phoebe, Virginia, and Kate Elizabeth. Don is survived by his sister Kathi Lorent (Lee); his nephew E.J. McKillop (Alysha), niece Devan McKillop, great-niece Dakota; and his brother Gary. Patty is survived by brothers Michael and Daniel; sisters Jeanne Hamilton (Keith); Ann Yohe (John) and her nephews Jonathan (Kiersten) and Jacob Yohe.
A celebration of Don and Patty's lives will take place at the Church at Rancho Bernardo in Rancho Bernardo, CA, at 11am July 22, 2022.
A celebration of life is also planned for 12pm August 19, 2022 at the Wooden Door Winery in Lower Burrell, PA.
To commemorate his beloved parents, Donnie invites all those who are able to attend these services.
Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ pomeradonews
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald McKillop
Reba Doutt and Bill Tingley
August 6, 2022
Sympathy to the entire family. Neighbors on Blue Ridge Road , Clarington, Pa
John and Jean Silverwood
July 31, 2022
We were so, so shocked in that moment of being informed of Patty and Don's sudden death...How could it be ?
I first got to know Don while he was with Klinedinst, Fliehman & McKillop. I'd been placed with another member of the staff, but one day he was busy, and I met Don.
That was it for me - Don became our attorney forever. Don was just plain gifted with the acumen of Solomon!
His ability to protect us and our business was founded on his innate ability to "read" the future actions of counsel against us, and to play them into a losing position ! He also gave Jean and I practical advice.
He had our absolute trust. Just knowing Don was our attorney gave us peace of mind and confidence. We never met Patty, but we're sure she was wonderful in her own way too...
We'll miss you Don ! You made our lives better.
Our condolences to Donny Jr. and your whole family.
Bernardo Gonzalez Family
July 22, 2022
I was lucky to meet Don and Patty when my son joined Pop Warner Football. I always wanted to coach football and he gave me that opportunity. Don was a bundle of energy a great motivator. He taught all the boys life skills. That´s what´s so great about Coach McKillop. He not only did that for the boys but for me as well. I went on to be an assistant and head coach because he told me I could do it. Thank you Coach McKillop. Patty thank you for your kindness when coaching staff would go over Wolfpack and opponents film. You always had a great smile whenever we ran into you. Even after Pop Warners years when Donnie was playing for Poway High. Was always great seeing the McKillops. We will miss you but always in our hearts. Our sincere condolences to you Donnie and your Family God Bless
David & Dora Davis
July 21, 2022
We knew Don as Coach McKillop. He was a wonderful pop warner football coach to our son and also a wonderful human being. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their son.
Eddie Isler
July 11, 2022
Donnie and family, my deepest sympathy for the loss of both your parents. Don was a law school classmate and honestly was one of those people about whom I never heard anyone utter an unkind word. May the God of all comfort shower you with His kindness and mercy and presence during these hard days.
Susan Droppleman Duff
July 11, 2022
Heartfelt condolences to Donny and family. I have fond memories of Don and Patty from our time together in Williamsburg. I admired Don's intellect, his work ethic, and his sense of humor. He and Patty were devoted to each other. So very sad to hear this tragic news.
Paul Cimino
July 10, 2022
We will miss you brother Don. Rest in Peace
Jeffrey Bird
July 10, 2022
Dan was a great supporter of Sigma Chi at IUP. I was just getting ready to ask him who he wanted in his foursome this year for our Golf Event in Indiana, PA. He will be missed.
ED RAMMRATH
July 10, 2022
ED RAMMRATH
July 10, 2022
ED RAMMRATH
July 10, 2022
Don and I reconnected when he and Patty would visit one of her fav spots, Sedona AZ, where I now live. It was great to finally meet her and they were definitely soulmates. He never forgot his Sigma Chi roots when he joined Jeff Bird and I at the SD Grand Chap in '15...incl a very memorable day on his sailboat. My sincere condolences to Donnie and family...In hoc!
Gregory Hartnett, Sr
July 10, 2022
Gregory Hartnett, Sr
July 10, 2022
Gregory Hartnett, Sr
July 10, 2022
Gregory Hartnett, Sr
July 10, 2022
Gregory Hartnett, Sr
July 10, 2022
Don was the very BEST. Dedicated, loyal, principled, fun, genuine. I was thrilled that he was spending time back here in PA. I will miss a dear friend. God´s abundant grace to his family. Here are a few images I found-
Paul Cimino
July 10, 2022
So sorry to hear this. Rest in peace Don and Patricia.
Denise Nielson
July 6, 2022
I started my legal career working for Don at Klinedinst, Fliehman & McKillop. What good times we had there! Don would bring little Donnie to our softball games and we all enjoyed keeping an eye on him. Sending my condolences to the entire McKillop family.
Denise Nielson
Atlanta, GA
Paula Lee
July 5, 2022
I have so many wonderful memories of Don, Patty and little Donnie attending our summer picnics at Klinedinst, Fliehman & McKillop. Working with Don and fun moments playing softball and indoor hockey. I have always enjoyed anytime spent with the McKillops. The happy memories will be in my heart. Sending my thoughts and prayers to Donnie and his family.
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