Donald Joseph Kivlehan passed away peacefully on December 4, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 87 years old. The son of Joseph and Ellen (Kissane) Kivlehan, he was born in Manhattan, NY, on August 25, 1933.
Donald proudly served in the NYPD from 1956 to 1994, covering five decades of great service. He retired as a Lieutenant and greatly loved being a member of the NYPD. He was a charter member of the Rockland County Shields and was a lifelong member of the NYPD Emerald Society serving many years on the Board. He had never ending memorable stories of his times being a New York City Cop. Donald is a veteran of the United States Army serving with distinguished honor in the 1950s for two years, attaining the rank of Corporal. The discipline and patriotism he learned in his service to his beloved City and Country never left him, as friends and family will attest. After Donald retired he enjoyed traveling with the love his life Marion and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also loved playing golf with his buddies. He was especially proud of his July 1, 1999, Hole in One at Blue Hill Golf Course.
Donald was proud of his Irish Heritage and enjoyed listening and dancing to Irish music. He was an original member of the Irish-American Cultural Center in Blauvelt, NY and loved attending socials there. He was also a member of the Tappan Senior Citizen Club and enjoyed vacations and trips with them over the years tremendously. Donald most of all loved his family and his family loved him even more. He was a friend to everyone and will be remembered as funny, kind, generous manwho truly is a Legend.
Donald was a devoted member of St. Catharine of Alexandria Catholic Church in Blauvelt, NY.
Donald was predeceased by his loving wife Marion of 56 years. Survivors include his four sons James, Terence and his wife Anne Marie, Brian and William and his wife Christine. He will be remembered with love by his nine grandchildren Mary, Sean, Patrick, William, Ryan, Caroline, Christina, Kimberly and Katherine.
Donald was predeceased by his Mother Ellen and Father Joseph and his brothers Joseph and Kevin. He is survived by his brother John.
Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic a private Funeral Mass will be celebrated by his family at St. Catharine Church, Blauvelt, New York on Saturday, December 12, at 10 am but those who wish may watch a livestream of the mass through the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=punBJC7ZOPs
Funeral services will be provided by Pizzi Funeral Home , 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ, 07647. A future memorial mass and a celebration of Donald’s life will take place at a later date due to the pandemic.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the NYC PBA Widows and Children’s Fund, 125 Broad Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10004.
Forever Loved and Remembered. Thank you for everything you did for our communities
A great Irish cop & investigator that served on the “Streets of New York.” Now he’s one of the Desk Officers for St. Michael in heaven. Rest in Peace, Lieut! Hope they have a golf course in heaven.
Kivlehan Family, I am very sorry for your loss. Don was a good man. I served as a Detective in Bronx Narcotics when he was the administrative Sgt. there in the very early 1990’s. I will miss seeing Don at the Pot o Gold events at the AOH. May he rest in Peace.
Another great hero passed, I had the distinct pleasure knowing Don, while working in the Bronx. He was a great cop and an even better human being. I am sadden by his loss. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. #Bronxstrong
It was a pleasure working with you when we were Sergeants in the 41 Pct. You always had a smile and kind word for all. I ca still hear you telling the troops to “go do God’s work”. Rest In Peace my friend.
Don was an inspiration, mentor and a voice to many. His insights to life, dedication to family and friends are unparalleled. When Don was around you felt safe and secure. His legacy will always reign amongst us and we are grateful for the moments we shared. A true man of honor! BXND FOR LIFE!!!
RIP Rev. it was a pleasure working with you.
Thank You for your service ! God be with your family and during these difficult moments! Rest In Peace LOU ✝️
May Almighty God bless him and grant him eternal peace
Rest in peace Sir!!!
God bless you for your time an service , my father spoke of you proudly . A man of men . Rest In Peace LT . We will take it from here
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I worked in Bronx Narcotics from 1986 to 1990. When Don was getting promoted to Sergeant in 1988, my Sergeant, John McCormick, was killed in the line of duty as we were executing a search warrant. Our team was given choices of assignments due to this tragedy and our Captain suggested I take over for Don who was getting promoted. I took over for him as the court liaison officer in Bronx Criminal Court for Bronx Narcotics at this time. He was always nice to me before I took over and he showed me how to do his job using smoke and mirrors and it worked like a charm!!!! He kept checking on me for a long time afterwards. I remember is great smile and hearty laugh. Good bless your family during this time of sadness and he will always be in my prayers.
“SEMPRE FIDELIS”
Domenick R Gerardi
Detective (retired)
NYPD-BRONX NARCOTICS DIVISION
A Gentleman among the Finest. It was a pleasure to see his face as you walked into the Bronx ND unit. You knew you were in the company of a Friend.
Sgt Sullivan
Sir,
Glad to see your name. Hope all is well.
Nellie
I am sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We met at the Bx DA’s office and again in Bx Narcotics. Also we were members of St Catherine’s Church. Always a pleasure to cross paths. You will be greatly missed. God bless.