Don Shelanskey

Don Shelanskey, age 84, passed away peacefully after a long illness on March 22, 2024 at Sky Ridge Hospital in Lone Tree, Colorado. Don was born on October 4, 1939 to Dan and Mildred Shelanskey (Getman) of upstate Chemung, N.Y. After graduating high school in 1957, he served 2 years active duty in the Navy, stationed in Puerto Rico. After leaving the Navy, Don enrolled in SUNY at Farmingdale where he graduated with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture. Don married his wife of 59 years, Carolyn, on August 29, 1964 in Morristown, NJ. They moved to Long Island where Don began a successful career in the retail horticulture industry as an executive for Flower Time (NY), Frank’s Nursery (MI/FL), and Lone Star Growers (TX). Don and Carolyn moved to Colorado in 1997 to be closer to family. His life-long love of plants and trees combined well with his management skills as he progressed in that industry. Ultimately, he finished his career as a salesman in the Colorado. He loved traveling around the beautiful state of Colorado sharing his knowledge and passion with local nurseries. For the last 23 years, Don and Carolyn lived in Gleneagles Village in Highlands Ranch, CO. There Don put his talents to work as a volunteer coordinator for the Landscape Committee working between the homeowners and contractors to keep the community well maintained and attractive. His familiar blue car was often all over the neighborhood as he loved to talk with his fellow residents and listen to their needs. Upon their recent move to live in a nearby senior residence, he was humbled and honored by a farewell banner placed by community members reaffirming their appreciation for his endless dedication to his neighbors.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Shelanskey (Geary); two children, Steve of Parker, CO, Linda and her husband, Scott Beer of Castle Rock, CO, two grandchildren, Carlene Odom (Brady) of Castle Rock, CO, Meghan Beer-Motley (Kevin) of Denver, CO, two great grandchildren (and one on the way) and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in life by his parents, Dan and Mildred, and his brother, Danny.

A private cremation is being held and a celebration of his life will take place in the Gleneagles Village Clubhouse at a date to be announced.