Donald Charles “Don” Ahrens

Donald Charles “Don” Ahrens

(May 7th, 1940 – September 21st, 2025)

Beloved husband of Ida Mary (nee Howard) Ahrens; devoted father of Christine Lynn Ahrens, Timothy Douglas (Suzanne) Ahrens, and Robert Scot Ahrens; dearest brother of Joanne Hedges; also survived by nieces and nephews.

Don was born in Hamburg, NY to Edna Julia (nee Kirbis) Ahrens and Walter (Bob) Ahrens, who inspired him to become the sincere, hard-working, and passionate person he was. As a youth, he mowed lawns, shoveled snow, and even worked as a stock boy at Kronenberg Department Store. His strong work ethic shone through in everything he did.

Known as “Smiley” to many of his classmates, his energy and winning spirit was infectious. Don was a star athlete from Jr. Olympics to high school football and track as a varsity four-letter man.

It was November 1957 that Don met a star-struck teenager, Ida (Mary) Howard, during a Snookie Poo hayride, where he swept her off her feet by taking her hand and never letting go. They were married in 1963 at St. Bernadette’s Church, followed by a large, spirited reception. With great fanfare, they set off for their honeymoon to Miami Beach, driving a '60 Chevy convertible, the beginning of a lifetime of adventures together.

At the very end of 1964, Don and Mary had a baby girl, Christine Lynn, and they couldn’t be happier. Eleven months later they had a boy, Timothy Douglas, and they couldn’t be happier. Finally, in mid-summer of 1967, Robert Scott was born, and they couldn’t be happier.

Don was an extremely dedicated father who listened to and supported his children’s numerous activities and would contribute in any way he could to aid their success.

Don’s dedication as a parent was extended to his grandchildren Mack, Samantha, Cecelia, Olivia, and Aidan. Mary and Don would rarely miss family milestones and events, often driving over 450 miles to be there.

Joining Moog Inc. in 1962 as an Engineering Tech, Don brought his work ethic and passion to his job for almost forty years. While at Moog, Don and his coworkers received a Silver Snoopy Award, a prestigious honor given by NASA to recognize outstanding contributions to flight safety and mission success.

Don was an avid fisherman, enjoyed camping and canoeing, and wayfaring adventures with his wife, family, and friends.

A long-time member of the Hamburg Kingsmen, a competitive drum and bugle corps that performed throughout the Northeast, Don proudly participated from the late 1950s through the early 1970s. Don was instrumental in the assembly of the Kingsmen Alumni Corps. launched in 2012 which is still entertaining audiences today.

With an eye on the future Don began rehabbing and flipping houses beginning in the 1970’s culminating with an 8-unit building. He completed Mary’s childhood home, his final house when he was 80 years old.

Don will be forever remembered for his vibrant spirit and deep love for life, family, and friends. We were truly fortunate to have known someone so remarkable, and his absence will be felt every single day. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who loved him. Thank you, Don, for everything you did to enrich the lives of others.

Goodnight sweetheart, well, it’s time to go

Goodnight sweetheart, well, it’s time to go

I hate to leave you, but I really must say

Oh, goodnight sweetheart goodnight

Song writers: Calvin Carter,.James Hudson

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, October 24th, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Bernadette’s Church, 5930 South Abbott Road, Orchard Park NY 14127. It will be followed by reception from 4:30 – 8:30pm at the Armor Fire Department Hall, 4932 Clark St Hamburg, NY 14075