DONALD C SCHARBACH

Donald Clair Scharbach,

85 years old, of Phoenix peacefully left his earthly body on September 5, 2009 at home surrounded by his large and loving family to join his Heavenly Father. Born on March 9, 1924 in Detroit, MI at Providence Hospital to Bernard and Claire Fex Scharbach.
He married the love of his life Carmen Consuelo Fernandez on September 13, 1952 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church where they also renewed their wedding vows of fifty years in 2002. They would have celebrated 57 years together this week. Don attended both Central and Cass Tech High Schools in Detroit along with the University of Detroit. He joined the Army at the age of 18 and bravely fought and was part of a tank crew in World War II in both Italy and Africa, where he became a sergeant in the First Armored Division and received a Purple Heart. He also served in the Air National Guard during the Korean War when he was stationed at Luke Air Force Base. While still in Detroit after the war he worked for General Motors Buick Motor Division. While stationed at Luke Air Force Base It was at this time that he met his future wife at a TGA To Get Acquainted dance held at St. Mary’s. He lived his first two years of married life in his hometown of Detroit, and after enough of the cold weather moved to Phoenix where he worked for Allstate Insurance Company for 23 years as claims adjuster, retiring in 1979. Telling stories of his childhood and his times in the war he captured everyone’s attention. He loved to cook and spice things up, never quite following a recipe, it brought him great joy to cook for his family and enjoy a meal together. Providing for his wife and family was his ultimate pleasure in life whether he was working hard, coaching, volunteering as president of the school board, attending a function of one of his children, attending Mass, taking care of the needs of his home or spending time with his children and grandchildren. His brave yet humble attitude will always be remembered, as he never complained and never wanted to draw attention to himself. His wittiness and ability to make others laugh was evident even to his last days. Don is survived by his wife Carmen, his son Bruce, daughters Denise Link and Claire Murray, daughter Dona Denton and husband Dennis, son Paul and wife Victoria, daughter Jay Janet Mitcham and daughter Joyce Slusher and husband Todd. His grandchildren include Casey, Chelsa and husband Jake, Janee and husband Clay, Cilicia, Tony, Kevin, JD and wife Kelly, Marcus, Savannah, Tyler, Logan, Delani, Grayson, Noah, Deacon and great grandchildren Jeffrey, Dorian, Zoe and Mason along with three more on the way. Survivors also include niece Susan Scharbach and husband Winter Bergeron and nephew Steven Scharbach. He will join his youngest child Vincent in heaven along with his parents Bernard and Claire, brother Barney, sister in law Catherine and in-laws Dionisio and Maria. “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted” Matthew 5:4 You have loved and lived well. You have been a wonderful example of a husband, father, friend and person. You will be missed more than words can express. Your family thanks you and loves you for ever and ever. Private services have been held.