Edwin H. Donchey

Edwin Herbert Donchey, "Ed," was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Paul and Rose (Shapiro) Donchey, and grew up in the Rockaways on Long Island. He spent his formative years surrounded by a large loving Jewish family and scores of friends. He passed away just two days after his 91st birthday, in Corona, California, where he and his wife Sheryl have lived since 2017. Always a natural athlete, Ed received full basketball scholarships to Paul Smith's College in upstate New York, followed by the University of Denver, where he majored in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Upon graduating with his BSBA degree in 1954, he returned to New York City where he managed several Brass Rail Restaurants. When his father, a successful Insurance and realty broker suffered a heart attack, Ed left the restaurant business and went to work with him immediately, beginning study for his insurance and real estate licenses. When his father passed away from another heart attack, Ed began a new career, continuing his father's insurance legacy. Eventually focusing on life insurance and estate planning, Ed proudly represented many national life insurance companies over his 55-year career, achieving numerous accolades and professional honors. Tiring of New York winters, Ed moved with his first wife and children to Orange County, California in the 1960's, and continued his career as a life insurance agent. Life brings changes, and after divorce and several years had passed, Ed met Sheryl, the love of his life, in 1977. Introduced by Ed's son Jimmey, they married in August of 1978 and were to celebrate their 44th anniversary this year. Basketball and baseball were Ed's school sports, but as an adult, he his became a formidable tennis player, golfer, skier, swimmer, and a marathon runner who completed 11 marathons including multiple runs in Boston and New York City. Golf was his go-to for the past many years, and after retirement, he enjoyed serving as a Host/Starter at Tustin Ranch Golf Club. A man surrounded by friends and family throughout his life, he had incredible integrity, a wonderful sense of humor, was humble, had an engaging personality, and had a passion for living life to its fullest! He was an avid reader and a student of history, who was especially intrigued by the American Revolution and WWII. After retiring, he took an interest in genealogy and created in-depth family trees for both his Donchey and Shapiro families. He loved music, photography, theatre, TV nature shows, entertaining dining, beaches, mountains, world travel, and of course, sports! Edwin Donchey loved and was loved deeply. He is survived by his wife Sheryl, his children Stephanie, Michael, Jimmey, Elizabeth, and David, as well as five grandchildren, his great grandson, his daughter-in-law, cousins, and nieces. He is preceded in death by his daughter Janey and sister, Seena. He will be forever missed! In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Providence St. Joseph Hospital Foundation at: sjofoundation@providence.org or to the University of Denver Men's Basketball Fund: giftino@du.ed A Celebration of Life is planned