DICKINSON DONALD ALLAN Age 86, of Bethel Park, passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at The Grand Residences at Upper St. Clair. The son of Robert and Hazel Dickinson, born on June 27, 1929, he was a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh. A defensive back on the football team at Baldwin High School, he graduated in 1948. He served his country in the U.S. Army, including an assignment in Okinawa. In 1948, he met Mary Czilyo at Hazelwood Christian Missionary Alliance Church. They were married on June 9, 1951. Don loved Christmas and was known for his hundreds of decorations with their flashing lights and joyful sounds. If you grew up in Pittsburgh and went to the mall to see Santa, then you have sat on Don's lap. He played the role of Santa at about every mall in the Pittsburgh region over decades. Don was a faithful member of South Hills Assembly, where he also served on staff for many years. He worked at Hawkin's Transportation, REA Express, Coastal Tanklines, and Allied Van Lines. He is survived by his brother, Robert Dickinson of Prescott, AZ; his sister, Lorinda Weaver of Mesa, AZ; and his children, Donald H. Dickinson of Livermore, CA, Diane L. Mancari of San Jose, CA, and Darlene A. Gruendl of Danville, CA. Don also leaves ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood. Service will be held on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. in South Hills Assembly of God, 2725 Bethel Church Road, Bethel Park. Full Military Honors will follow and a reception in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be held privately. Send condolences to: www.johnfslater.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb