Aunt Dorothy, Linda and Family, I have many fond memories of Donnie from when we were kids. I remember he was quite a bundle of energy as a young boy, but he always had a sweet heart. By the time he got to high school, he was tall, handsome and a terrific athlete—but he was still the same happy-go-lucky Donnie he had always been. After our graduations, we went our separate ways and lost touch over the years. I was shocked to learn that he was gone so soon as we are only a year apart. I’m glad to hear that he found his niche in carpentry and made so many life-long friends. It sounds like he had happy life. My sincerest sympathies to the family on your loss. Rest in peace, cousin.

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Donald was hard to miss. His warm, friendly personality lit up a room allowing him to connect with young and old alike. His laughter, always laced with a bit of mischief, was contagious. Almost always I was the youngest attendee at family gatherings on Major Drive. For me, these parties were was always much more fun when Don was present. When he wasn't dunking me in the pool, killing me at driveway basketball or a beating me yet again at checkers, he was laughing it up with someone else. He was the fun older cousin with the cool car, charismatic personality and awesome bedroom with cork board, mirrors and Kiss posters everywhere. My mom, Aunt Mary, had a special place her heart for Don. She thought the world of him and enjoyed his antics, except for a certain pitchfork incident with my older sister that became family legend. He was a proud carpenter and a dedicated son and brother. You will be missed, Donald Hadrava.

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Linda, Dorothy, and family, Our deepest condolences to you on your loss. We always enjoyed talking to Donald at family gatherings and hearing about his many adventures! He will be missed! With much love, Kim (Derrick) Anderson

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Dorothy and Linda, My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to you both. Donald was always a breath of fresh air. Happy and fun. I hope he didn't have to deal with much physical pain before his passing. Hope you both are doing well. If I could attend the wake I would have. Your family were a great Major Drive family ❤️

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Looking at Don's picture brings a flood of emotions and many happy memories. He was charismatic, funny and always made our gatherings lively. My mother loved him like a son that she never had and he had a sweet relationship with Aunt Mary. My heart goes out to Aunt Dolly, Linda, Mike, Kevin, Allison, their spouses and Don's nephews. He left this world far too early and unexpectedly, but he is now reunited with his Dad and watching football. Rest easy cuz!

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My sincere condolences to the Family of Donald Hadrava. I knew and worked with him has a fellow carpenter since 1981 at different tradeshow and event locations in Chicago and I shared a workbench with him in the GES shop. He was always a near and dear friend to myself, my 2 brothers, and my father, we all worked together with him. He was like a brother to us and like a son to my father. He was very much beloved to us and all those that worked with him. He was in a career that suited him well, his personality, good nature, charm and warm smile would make coworkers, bosses, and clients alike all feel happy to be in his presence. He was an extremely special man with many skills and talents and he will always be remembered for his great big heart. Donnie talked fondly about his family and had a great love for those he cherished. I am glad I had the pleasure to spend time with him outside of work at his house, besides him riding in his Mustangs, and at my lake, where he was a tremendous water skier. After a 50 mph ski run Donnie would say with a great big smile, "I tore that lake up!" Someone once said to Donnie, "Maybe your name should be 'Don Hancock' because just like the John Hancock, you too are Larger than Life!" It was a statement that fit him well. To all of us who were blessed and fortunate to have been a part of his life: Donnie Hadrava was truly a Legend to all of us. I have never known anyone like him. He was, and is, Always going to be a very special part of all of our lives. A tremendous loss.. Love You Don! Thanks for all the laughs, jokes, lightheartedness, and for your charisma that was second to none.

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My deepest sympathy to his Mom and Sister who I know this has got to be hard on them. Don loved his family and everyone around him. Don has been a part of the Hovey/Newman Family for over 40 years. We all loved when Don showed up to a gathering, he always had a Smile on his face and would make us laugh. After high school he ended up working with my dad, brothers, cousins, brother-in-laws and just everyone there at McCormick Place became one big family. He loved working there, learned a lot through the years and hope many learned from him. I remember his favorite actor was John Wayne, probably cuz they shared the same name but he thought he was the Best Actor Ever. Don, you will truly be missed and I am heartbroken that you're are gone from here on Earth but will see you again. Have our dad show you how it's done up there in Heaven.

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Dear Aunt Dolly, Linda, Mike, Kevin, Allison and family. I'm going to miss Donald!! I Absolutely loved hanging out with him and all of his quick humor, laughter and reminiscing of our childhood. He loved his family dearly and everyone in his life xo

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My deepest sympathy to the Family and Friends of Donald Hadrava. I knew Don from work at McCormick Place, where Don was a competent and hardworking Union Carpenter. He was a delight to be around and almost always had a smile on his face. Don was "one of the good guys" that I enjoyed working with and talking to. Don was a very good friend of my brother Fred, but also my brother Michael, my Father Frank Sr. and myself. Rest in peace. Till we meet again. Frank Nicosia Jr.

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Don was my brother growing up. I moved in next door when I was 9. As a young kid growing up in a wonderful neighborhood I was the typical kid with a family next door that was my family. I couldn’t have been more blessed. I am heart broken. I loved don like a brother, his mom and dad my dad and his sister my sister (unfortunately I treated as a sister which we tormented as kids… I still love her too though , and I hope she forgives me). Great times and I am who I am from growing up next to this wonderful family. Godspeed my-friend. Till we meet again ❤️

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