CMDR Donald L. Sayre, USN (Ret.)
September 4, 1954 - January 22, 2025
Cremation Society of Virginia
Susan Pullar
Peter Szczepankiewicz
Nancy & Dave Rademacher
Cindy and Colt Stevens
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Commander Donald L. “Donnie” Sayre, USN (Ret.) passed away on January 22, 2025 from Alzheimer’s as a consequence of nearly 30 years as a Navy SEAL.    Don was born on September 4, 1954   He was adopted as an infant by Lee Etta and Donald Sayre. After graduating from Academy of our Lady/Spaulding Institute (Now Peoria…

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Richard Wert left a message on February 10, 2025:
Sincere condolences to the Sayre family. Donnie will be greatly missed. He was a true mentor and leader throughout his tour as XO of ST-2. He was greatly respected for his wisdom, guidance and dedication to his teammates. God bless you Donnie, and God bless the Sayre family.
Scott Garrett left a message on February 9, 2025:
Sorry to see the passing of Donnie. I lived down the street from him in peoria. I remember the navy coming and talking to my dad about Donnie, dad said they were asking him about Donnie because he was trying to become a navy seal. Donnie was a great guy.
Rich Gapski left a message on February 7, 2025:
My sincere condolences to the Sayre family. I had the honor of serving with him (1999-2000) while he was XO of ST2. He was a great leader and an inspiration to so many around him - and he influenced my career even though I was a tech and not an operator - Don genuinely cared about his sailors and his teammates. He positively impacted so many lives and made such a difference to NSW and the Navy. He will be missed, and I am a better man for having known him.
Dan Schroeder left a message on February 7, 2025:
My prayers and condolences for the Sayre family. Don was the first SEAL Officer I worked for in NSW. I was privileged to deploy with him several times and there was no better SEAL leader, husband, father, and friend. He will be missed.
Susan Pullar left a message on February 7, 2025:
Dear Robyn, I am so sorry to hear about Donnie's passing. Walt always thought and spoke so highly of him. I remember you all as such a great family. So truly sad to lose such a fine man.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Gerald Weers left a message on February 6, 2025:
My sincerest condolences to the Sayre family and friends. Donnie was a great NSW officer and highly respected teammate. I had the distinct pleasure and privilege to make a memorable Mediterranean cruise with him. He’ll be remembered as a fine leader and mentor. Donnie will be missed but his legacy will live large. RIP Frogman.
Julie and Ted Lovett left a message on February 6, 2025:
Robin, Ted and I are so sorry to hear this news. Donnie was a great guy, friend, confidant. His support to us and all who knew him was ever-present. We have very fond memories from SEAL Team Two. His devotion to you and the girls was evident. We are praying for comfort for you and your family. God Bless and keep you.
Evin Thompson left a message on February 6, 2025:
Robin, Jasyn, Meghan, family and my frieds, my deepest condolences in this time of loss. Donny was a great officer and a fine friend. We served together, he as the IMO and myself as the OPSO under Wild Willie and Doug Lowe at SDVT2. Many a commiserating moments occurred as shared our common challenges to keep the Team on track. Always admired his gumption to take on the hard jobs and excel at what he did. God Bless
Conrad Phillips left a message on February 5, 2025:
Looking back on my life I was fortunate to have so many integrous and honorable men around me growing up. Don was one of those pillars of my childhood. I know that my stand for a brighter world comes in part from him and I will carry his memory for my remaining years on this earth. I love you all so very much and my heart is with yours in this time. "Uncompromising Integrity is my Standard" God speed Uncle Don
Hedy Osmunson left a message on February 3, 2025:
Dear Meghan and family, Your father was a very special man. Not only did he dedicate his life to be an American Patriot, he was an involved family man. I know you and your sister and his grandchildren loved him very much. He went through many challenges since birth and overcame all of them. My sincere sympathy to your whole family. Fondly, Hedy
Peter Szczepankiewicz left a message on February 3, 2025:
Lighting a candle for Don, the best swimmer who always pushed us past our limit.
Bob Boyce left a message on February 2, 2025:
Don served in Ike with me when I was DCA and he was one of my repair locker officers during general quarters. I would see him occasionally swimming at Princess Anne Rec Center. He was a terrific guy.
Tammy Nussel Creasy left a message on February 2, 2025:
To the family of Donnie. I’m sorry for your loss. It looks like Donnie had a full life with many accomplishments . We were neighbors to Donnie and his parents way back when on Livingston st. In Peoria IL.I am younger than him but Logan pool was directly across from our houses. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
George Deffenbaugh Jr left a message on February 2, 2025:
Hi Robyn, So sorry to hear about Don. He will be truly missed. Love y'all George
Cindy Waller left a message on February 2, 2025:
Robyn, I was so sorry to hear about Don. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I truly enjoyed talking to him before and after his swims. He was also a bright spot at the monthly get togethers with the crew from the rec center.
Nancy & Dave Rademacher left a message on February 2, 2025:
Robin, please know we are thinking about you. We are so sorry but believe Don is in a better place.
Lolita Sheats left a message on February 2, 2025:
Robin - So sad to hear about your husband's passing. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lolita
Janet Clarke left a message on February 2, 2025:
Robin, I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Keep your best memories close. He was an amazing man, dedicated to serving his country. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Janet Clarke
Cindy and Colt Stevens left a message on February 2, 2025:
Donnie was a good friend. He'was always available if we needed him while Colt was away. Rest in peace Donnie.
Steven Baldi left a message on February 1, 2025:
On behalf of Don‘s high school class I want to express our sympathy upon his passing. I also want to thank his family for all of the sacrifices everyone made so he could serve our country. We are proud that Don was our classmate. God bless
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Mary K. Sierra left a message on February 1, 2025:
God bless you, Don. The obituary reflects a man of faith and service. My condolences to your family. May you and yours rest in the peace of God's joy, and lovingkindness. The classes of Spalding and the Academy of Our Lady 1973 are pretty special. Amen.
Deborah Hillier left a message on January 31, 2025:
Robyn & girls I am sorry for your loss. Donny was such a great man and he will be missed. I know life hasn’t been easy in these last few years & you all struggled with him. I know he’s in heaven and doesn’t have to suffer anymore. Robyn we need to catch up. I will txt you. Love you and God bless you
John Stone left a message on January 31, 2025:
My deepest condolences.
Alex Guerrero left a message on January 31, 2025:
Donnie, Sad to you've passed! Glad we met at 6 and became brothers. You taught well and I learned alot from you! Rest in Peace and God Bless you and your family! Alex
Ivan Trent left a message on January 30, 2025:
Loved, Admired and Respected! Our Brother Frogman❤️ God bless you Donnie.
Joann Doolan Gabbert left a message on January 30, 2025:
My prayers and condolences for the Sayre family. I went to high school with Don and worked at Logan Pool as a lifeguard with him. We had a great conversation at the last reunion he attended. He spoke about his Navy and Seal life and shared about his family. I was surprised he was not at our 50th reunion. I thanked him for serving our country but was not surprised as he always had that as a goal !
Lynn Saltsman Gutierrez left a message on January 30, 2025:
Sending sincerest condolences from the Spalding/Academy of Our Lady class of '73. Don was able to make it to a reunion several years ago. Everyone was so happy to see him as it had been a long time- maybe even since graduation. I always appreciated his brief updates from other times when he was keeping our country safe and unable to attend. We were proud to call him our friend and classmate. Please know we are thinking and praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Thank you, Don for your service. Sincerely, Lynn Saltsman Gutierrez and Spalding/AOL Class of 1973
Fred Stein left a message on January 30, 2025:
My condolences to the Sayre family. I served with him on the Mighty Ike in Deck Dept when we did our Med Cruise '88. A great man and a great leader. Gone too soon. Fred Stein
Jaysen Maiura left a message on January 30, 2025:
I am so sorry for your family's loss. Don was a well-respected leader and friend. He made a great impact on my life and the lives of everyone he touched. Sending love and prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Shaun Rategan left a message on January 30, 2025:
My condolences to the Sayre Family. Don was instrumental in my tactical development as a young Marine stationed at the Command for a short time in the1980s. I was fortunate enough to work with him again at ADS, Inc., when I came board in 2018. A true Warrior and Great Man. Forever grateful to have crossed paths, twice.
Ralph DeConti left a message on January 28, 2025:
Donnie, you lived an amazing life, and I am honored to have served alongside of you. I am proud to have been able to call you a brother and a friend. Yours truly, Ralph DeConti
Dwayne VanTassel left a message on January 28, 2025:
Thoughts and prayers for the entire family, both his traditional family and military family. Don impacted SO many lives. Salute I am better because of him. Gods speed.
TED WALTHER left a message on January 28, 2025:
Sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Sayre family. Donny was not only a legend in the Teams but also in the SBU/SWCC Community, he was a mentor to many of us DBG’s, and all of us that were lucky and privileged to work with him, will never forget him. He is in a better place now, probably swimming laps in the pool in Valhalla. See you there Boss! R/ TED WALTHER NR SBU 24/NR SBU 20/SBR 2/SBU 26/SBU 20
Cremation Society of Virginia left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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