Donald Mikush, Sr.

Donald Chester Mikush, Sr. passed away at his home in Jacksonville, FL on July 14, 2020 at the age of 85. He was born February 8, 1935 in Wilkes-Barre, PA to the late Chester Sylvester Mikush and Elizabeth Yurgatis Mikush. A basketball scholarship took him to Concord College, where he played three sports and was leading scorer on the basketball team all four years. He was ranked among the leading scorers in the NAIA in 1955-56 and still held several school records when he was inducted into the Concord College Hall of Fame in 2002.

He met the love of his life, Mary Lou Pruett, at a Christmas party in Baltimore, MD while both were teaching. He earned a degree in Physical Therapy from University of Pennsylvania and established a private practice in Baltimore and Ellicott City, MD, where he was beloved by patients during his 44 years as a physical therapist. Don and Mary Lou lived in Ellicott City and Annapolis, MD before retiring to Jacksonville in 2001.

In addition to his beloved Mary Lou, he is survived by four children, Donald Chester Mikush, Jr. (Sandra) of Todd, NC; Deborah Mikush Powers (Carl) of Midlothian, VA; David Lawrence Mikush of Windermere, FL; and Donna Mikush Smith (Field) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. He also leaves to cherish the memories of Pop Pop 14 grandchildren, David Mikush (Cambey), Katie Fogleman (Nick), Jay Mikush; Adam Powers (Deanna), Alex Powers, Mitchell Powers, Ryan Powers and Molly Powers; Clay Mikush (Keri), Courtney Mikush, Melissa Mikush; Kayla Smith, Emma Smith and Reid Smith; and by four great-grandchildren, Lila and Hardin Fogleman and Percy and Russell Mikush. He is survived by three sisters, Bernice Revit, Lisa Mikush and Anita Mikush of Wilkes-Barre, PA.

A family celebration will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorials to Doctors Without Borders.