Donald V. Bocol

Donald V. Bocol, beloved husband, father, grandfather, cousin and friend passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center ICU. Don (Dad) was surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born September 12, 1935, to John and Lena Bocol. Their only child.

Don graduated from St. Patrick’s High School, now DeSales, in 1954. He played and excelled in athletics all four years of high school. Don was captain of the football team and was awarded most inspirational player. Along with these accomplishments, he was also the Homecoming King. He also attended Eastern Washington University. Upon graduation he married (Mom) Jo Ann King. They were united in love until his passing. They celebrated 67 years of marriage on December 8th of this year.

Dad was a hard worker and worked for many years as Regional Manager for McCormick Schilling Spices in Portland, Oregon. After that, Don and Jo Ann went into partnership with Dad’s cousin Rodney Allessio, where they were Co-owners of Ryder’s Office Products in Pasco, Washington. Dad and Mom successfully retired from Ryder’s in 2001.

Dad always loved sports. He was an avid fan of the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Seattle Mariners. When I visited, I could always depend on some sport being played and his observations and excitement on every score being made.

Upon retirement from Ryder’s, Mom and Dad built a beautiful cabin on the shores of Wallowa Lake, OR; this was a peaceful retreat for both of them. Dad loved his cabin and the life it provided at the lake’s edge for many years. Many memories were built with the cabin, from family to friends. It has provided a happy event filled with memories for us all.

Dad was a devout Catholic and a loyal and steadfast believer in the Catholic faith. He and Mom always instilled in all three daughters. He lived by example and demonstrated his beliefs through his actions, attitude, and devotion. He dedicated his free time to serving and helping others and was awarded a certificate of appreciation from St. Vincent DePaul for his many years of volunteering.

Dad was many different things to people. Most saw him as a genuinely loyal husband and a good provider. He was a loyal and faithful friend. Dad was opinionated but a fair debater and a forgiving, compassionate, loving father to me ( Jill) and my two sisters. Dad believed in second chances and always gave others the benefit of the doubt. He was known for helping the underdog and lived his life by being true to his convictions. He listened and acknowledged different opinions, but you always knew where you stood. Endearingly honest, he made his presence known, always with a little edge and a deliberate and well-thought-out comment. Dad thought about things most often quietly and came to wise conclusions after focusing on how it would affect others, particularly his family. My dad was a very devoted person and lived his life in the true spirit of giving rather than receiving; this was a testament to his faith and belief in God and his family.

Dad is heartbreakingly missed by mom and his three daughters. But we know without a doubt he is riding his lawnmower, volunteering, and tending to things above.

Surviving Don is his wife, Jo Ann Bocol; daughters, Janie Thompson (Larry), Jackie Bocol, and Jill Bocol; granddaughters, Holly Clarke and Jenna Bocol; grandson, Jordon Thompson; great-granddaughters, Eliya Vasquez, Elina Clarke, and Amelia Uribe; and faithful always, his favorite chair companion and four-legged friend “Taffy.”

A special Thank you to Dr. Jon Gardner for his dedication and excellent care. Also, to Providence St. Mary’s ICU, Dr. Patel, nurses, CNAs, and the Palliative care team for providing dignity and grace to my dad in his final days. To his cousin Lanna and Dave Stemmer for their love and support.

“Rest easy, Dad; we will always miss you.”

Dad was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Beth Ann Bocol; grandson, John T. Thompson; and many cousins and friends.

A rosary will be recited on March 26, 2025, at 1:30 PM, followed by a memorial mass at 2:00 PM at St. Francis Catholic Church with Father Andrew O’Leary as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Frances Cabrini Charitable Services or DeSales Catholic High School Sports Program through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.