Donald James Kistler

Donald James Kistler, 87, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Monday, January 13, 2025. He was the son of the late John G. and Ruth (Piper) Kistler, and was born on the Kistler Farm in Washington Township, Westmoreland County on July 19, 1937. He was married to his loving wife Millie for 55 years and was a longtime resident at the home he and Millie built on the hill overlooking Boston, PA. 

A graduate of Washington Township High School and the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University), Don was employed by US Steel for 35 years, including many as a manager in the shipping department at the National Tube Works in McKeesport, as the final general superintendent of the National-Duquesne Works, and finally in the Pittsburgh headquarters.

He was a bedrock member of the McKeesport Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir and served as an elder. He was an avid reader, a 50-year subscriber to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and a keen student of genealogy and Western Pennsylvania history. 

In addition to his wife, Millie, Don is survived by his son, Stephan (Laura) Kistler; daughter, Kathryn (Daryl) Kistler Jones; and by his sisters, Ann Shigo and Jean Sucher. He was also the beloved grandpa of Sam and Susy, and the Uncle Donald to 24 nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his brothers, Richard and Dean Kistler; as well as his sister Evelyn Kistler-London. 

Friends are welcome Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 4-8pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, Director. Funeral Service will take place in the Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 10:00 am with Pastor Michael Stanton officiating. Interment will follow at the Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Don's memory to the Parkinson's Foundation at http://www.parkinson.org.Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com