Donald James Stalensky

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Don will be remembered for his strength, humor, practical skill, and the way he showed up for the people he loved.

Donald James Stalensky, known to many as Don, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026, in South Pasadena, Florida, at the age of 86, with Susan, the love of his life, at his side.

Don was born on August 29, 1940, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He graduated from Victory High School in Clarksburg and went on to spend a year at West Virginia University. He worked for the Washington Gas Light Company from 1961 to 1987, serving as supervisor of dispatch. He was regarded as one of the best dispatchers there, and his years with the company reflected his reliability, skill, and dedication.

From 1986 to 1997, Don and Susan became area franchisee owners for Mail Boxes Etc. Together, with partners, they built the business from 5 stores to 85 stores across Central Florida, from the west coast to the east coast. They made the move from West Virginia to Virginia and then to Florida, always taking on new challenges in life and conquering them.

After retirement, Don and Susan traveled the country together in their RV, making the most of the life they built side by side. He loved traveling with Susan and enjoyed the freedom and adventure of the road. He also loved working out, whether at the gym or at home in a workout area he built himself. He enjoyed hiking, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, and he completed the Baltimore Marathon. He found joy in photography, hunting, music, and time spent with family and friends. He especially loved classic country music, from Willie and Waylon to Dolly, Loretta, and Patsy.

Don was a man who could build and fix just about anything. Cars, motorcycles, houses, RVs—whatever needed attention, he found a way to make it work. Much of what he knew was self-taught, first from necessity as he started out on his own with little money, and later from a genuine love of helping others. He also made yearly trips from Florida to West Virginia to help his parents, aunts, and uncles with whatever they needed.

He valued friendship deeply and kept close ties with longtime buddies no matter how many miles stood between them. He was the kind of person people remembered warmly, someone easy to like and easy to trust. He enjoyed spending as much time as possible with family and friends, and his kindness left a lasting impression on many lives. Don was always ready to help whenever the need arose, and he was known as someone who never judged anyone.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; his daughters, Tonya Stalensky Smith and Danette Stalensky; his son, Donald “Donny” Stalensky Jr.; his grandson, Christopher Snuffer; his great-grandson, Braylon Snuffer; his sister, Patricia Scauzzo; his sister-in-law, Patti; and his best friend, Abel Ortunio. He also leaves behind many close friends who loved him like family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Stalensky; his mother, Theresa Stalensky; his sister, Veronica Rosen; and his brother, Stanley Stalensky Jr.

His family also extends heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers who stood by Don and Susan through the years of his illness. For the first 11 years, Susan cared for him with love and devotion. In the last five years, others joined in that care and loved him as family, including Michael, who had been there since 2021; Jeff and Dennis, who began helping in 2022, with Jeff continuing until July 2026; Kyle; Mostafa, who had been with them for the past two years; and Chris and Nate, who joined more recently.

Don will be remembered for his strength, humor, practical skill, and the way he showed up for the people he loved. He lived a full life of hard work, adventure, friendship, and devotion to family, and his memory will be carried forward with love.