Donald Edwin Cieslak

Donald was born June 20, 1934 in Rochester, New York, the son of Polish immigrants. One of his most cherished memories was driving his John Deere tractor, working his family’s farm. In 1956, he married Beverly Anne Heier, and together they raised six children. Beverly lost her battle to cancer in 1990.

By 1959, Don had earned a bachelor’s of science in physics from the University of Rochester, and a master’s of science in electrical engineering from the University of Syracuse. After serving as a reserve in the United States Army, he embarked on a long and remarkable career in computer technology and aerospace, working for IBM and Xerox. At Hughes Spacecraft and Communications in Los Angeles, Don helped develop the Intel Sat VI communications satellite. Today, a model of that craft is on display in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

In 1993, he married Minnie Torres Rodriguez, and the two eventually relocated to her hometown of San Antonio.

While working in aerospace, he also received his CFP in 1994, and worked for Waddell and Reed and Financial West. As member of the financial planning association of San Antonio, he acted as an officer in different capacities, including president, secretary, treasure. He remained active in retirement, serving as an adjunct professor at the School of Business at the University of the Incarnate Word. In 2002, Don retired as Chief scientist at Hughes Spacecraft and Communications.

Don will be remembered for his dedication to family, service through the Knights of Columbus, his keen sense of humor, and abiding affection for his faithful dog, Cobe.

He is survived by his beloved wife Minnie; sons David, Brian, and Jeff; daughters Kim (Salzar) and Amy (Engelmann); and 12 grandchildren. He is predeceased by his first wife Beverly, brother Arthur, and eldest son Gary Donald Cieslak

Please Join Us In Celebrating the Life of Donald E. Cieslak

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Rosary, Mass & Reception

Saint Jose Sánchez Del Rio Catholic Church

21140 Gathering Oak

San Antonio, TX 78260

2:15pm - Committal of Ashes

Resurrection Cemetery at Cordi-Marian

St. Joseph Chapel

11624 Culebra, #501

San Antonio, TX 78253

(210) 798-8220

www.cordi-marian.org

In Memory of my Beloved Husband, Donald E. Cieslak,

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to “Project Haiti”

https://donate.saintalphonsus.org/ProjectHaiti-Donate