Donald James Regan Jr.

Donald “Don” James Regan Jr., 77, of Lancaster, went to be with the Lord on May 1, 2025. He was born to the late Natalie “Nana” Jean Fish and Donald “Bumpa” James Regan Sr. on June 18, 1947 in New London, Connecticut. He was raised in Turners Falls, Massachusetts and a 1966 graduate of Turners Falls High School.

Don proudly enlisted into the United States Air Force that same year and became a jet engine technician working as an aircraft and engine mechanic. He worked on many propellor and jet propulsion engines with the most notable being the Lockheed AC-130 gunship. During his military tenure, while earning the rank of E-5 Staff Sergeant, he was deployed for a total of 8 years and 3 tours earning several commendations including; Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and a Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon. Don relocated to Rickenbacker Air Force Base where he was honorably discharged.

After serving his country, he then served his community for over 20 years as a public servant for the City of Lancaster in the Division of Police at the Lancaster Police Department. Don started at the Patrol Bureau as a uniformed officer. Through merit and performance, he was then promoted to the Detective Bureau becoming a well established detective solving countless cases. This is where he found his niche and really shined. He found the most gratification of his career during this period. Continuing through the ranks Don left the Detective Bureau and advanced to Sergeant where he later retired as Lieutenant. Throughout his extensive law enforcement career, Don was awarded the Blue Coat Award and Officer of the Year Award (both twice), and also the Downtown Businessman Award. Due to Don’s many investigative accomplishments, he appeared on several television segments such as 60 Minutes, Dateline, and 20/20. He was also given a Key to the City of Lancaster.

Unsatisfied with retirement life, Don managed the security office and later became the operations director at the River Valley Mall, all while during its prime and glory days. He received many awards, accolades, and nominations while working for Glimcher Properties including “Operations Director of the Year”.

Aside from Don’s professional career, he had many hobbies and interests, some of his more recent including: riding his motorcycle, action movies, computers and gadgets, tinkering and repairing, sport and target shooting, grilling or smoking various meats, trying new recipes, being outside, socializing with friends and family, and of course his fondness for donuts and pad Thai. His affinity with clean vehicles and immaculate lawns will continue to go unmatched. He always considered his day incomplete until something productive was accomplished. Meticulously organized and continuously dedicated to all tasks at hand. Giving up and quitting was never in Don’s vocabulary. Always upbeat and cheerful, his personality was full of constant optimism and positivity, despite adolescent hardships and career traumas. Words will never fully describe how amazing of a human being Don was and the lasting impact he had on the souls he loved. He considered his sons to be his pride and joy and was blessed to have such loving and passionate friends, neighbors, and family in his life. Don gave it all and nothing less.

He is survived by his sons, Ryan (Katie) Regan and Matthew (Tori Miller) Regan; grandchildren, Colin and Emma Regan; sister, Sandy (Charlie) Kosterman; brother, Richard (Denise Perrotta) Regan; numerous cousins, nephews, extended family members, friends, beloved pet dogs Marley and Duchess; and beloved pet cats Corky and Buttercup. Don was preceded in death by his parents and stepson (Jesse Whitlatch). Don was Catholic and asks of his loved ones to honor him by praying for his soul and having an occasional mass in his name.

Family and friends may visit from 3-6:30 PM on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 405 N Columbus St., Lancaster, OH 43130. A wake service will immediately follow the visitation.  

A funeral mass officiated by Ft. Dan Olvera and Deacon Mark Scarpitti will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Bernadette Parish, 1343 Wheeling Rd, Lancaster, OH 43130.

Don’s final resting place will reside in Maple Grove Cemetery, 4185 Cincinnati-Zanesville Road, NE Lancaster, Ohio 43130

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Bernadette Parish, Lancaster, or to the Fairfield Area Humane Society: https://www.fairhumane.org/. To leave an online condolence, and sign the guestbook, please visit www.funeralhome.com.