Donald Charles Zander

Donald Charles Zander, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, proud U.S. Army Veteran and member of the Gilroy community, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2026, in San Jose, California, following a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 76 years old.

Donald was born on December 13, 1949, in Port Huron, Michigan, to Richard and Avonne Zander. After serving in the military, Donald made his way to Gilroy, California, in 1970, where he built a life filled with family, friendships, hard work, and more than a few good stories.

Shortly after arriving in Gilroy, Donald met the love of his life, Judy. The two married in 1972 and spent the next 54 years together, building a family and a life that was filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.

Donald proudly served the Gilroy community as a firefighter for 20 years before retiring. He was a true jack of all trades and could fix just about anything. If something was broken, Donald was usually the person you wanted around. He had a natural ability to figure things out, work with his hands, and somehow make things work again.

But Donald was much more than his career and his ability to fix things. He loved to fish, travel, enjoy a good meal, and spend time with the people he cared about. He appreciated the simple pleasures in life—a good fishing trip, good food, a good story, and the company of friends and family.

Donald had a personality all his own. He could be crass, stubborn, opinionated, and never one to hold back what he was thinking. But underneath that rough exterior was a man with a genuinely good heart. He loved deeply, cared fiercely, and was always there for the people who mattered to him. His friends and family knew that behind the jokes, the teasing, and the occasional colorful language was a man who would give the shirt off his back when someone needed him.

Donald leaves behind his beloved wife of 54 years, Judy; his sons, David (Jennifer) Zander and Brett (Debbie) Zander, both of Hollister, California; and his grandsons, Davin and Dylan Zander of Nevada and Logan Zander of Hollister, California. He also leaves behind his brother, Richard Zander, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Avonne Zander, and his siblings, Dawn Carol Perry, Leon Zander, and Michael Zander.

Donald leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind the lessons he taught, the things he fixed, the stories he told, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave to the people around him. His absence will be deeply felt by the family and friends who were fortunate enough to know him.

As Donald wished, no immediate services will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to remember, honor, and celebrate a life well lived.