Donald D. Mack

Donald Dean Mack, 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Libertyville, Illinois, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Don lived a full and extraordinary life built on service, craftsmanship, and deep love for the people around him. Born in Chicago and raised in Waukegan, Don had a quiet confidence from the beginning. At just seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Navy — the first step in a lifetime of mechanical mastery and service to others. As an aircraft mechanic stationed in Guam and later at the Naval Air Station in Pawtuxet River, Rhode Island, he built a reputation for precision and integrity. It was in Pawtuxet where Don became crew chief for none other than test pilot and future American astronaut Alan Shepard — a role that spoke volumes about his talent and trustworthiness. After nine years in the Navy, Don transitioned from military service to civilian aviation, earning his federal license in jet aircraft maintenance at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. He spent the next 37 years working as an Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic for United Airlines. He was the guy you wanted working on your plane — meticulous, methodical, and always cool-headed, whether elbow-deep in a jet engine or mentoring a new tech fresh on the job. Don retired in 1997 and settled in Bartlett, Illinois, where he enjoyed a slower pace of life and deeper connections with family and neighbors. Eventually, he moved into the family home in Libertyville, where he spent his final years on Woodland Road — the heart of his world in later life. He was a staple of the neighborhood: generous with his time, quick with a story, and known for the way he could make you feel like an old friend after five minutes on the porch. Winters were spent in North Redington Beach, Florida, at the Marwick, where his circle of friends and fans only grew. He is survived by his sons, Dean (Barbara) Mack and Alan (Patricia) Mack; his seven grandchildren, Sami (Nick) Mack-Formica, Kaila (Greg) Mack-Larson, Jeffrey (Dr. Morgan Pooler) Mack, Kinsey (Jordan) Mack, Riley (Jacob) Mack-Cunningham, Dr. Gage Winters, and Makenzie Winters; and his two great-grandchildren, Ripley Formica and Macklin Larson. Each of them carries a piece of his strength, his wit, and his love forward. To those who knew him, Don was more than a father or friend — he was a living example of humility, and loyalty. He loved a good story, a quiet beach, a wrench in his hand, and a family gathering full of belly laughs. His legacy is written not just in the history books or airline logbooks, but in the lives he helped shape and the people he loved fiercely. Private services will be held for the family. Arrangements by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home. For information, call (847) 362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date — and you can be sure there will be stories, laughter, and at least one toast in his honor.

Donald D. Mack

May 10, 1930 - June 25, 2025