Don M. Cernuto passed away on August 23, 2026, at his residence in Hampshire, Tennessee, surrounded by the life and memories he had built through his devotion to family, faith, country, and community.
A Celebration of Life for Don will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee, with Deacon Ray Seibold officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the start of the service at 1:00 p.m.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Cernuto Jr. and Laura Ramous Cernuto, his son, Don “Buck” Cernuto Jr. and his daughter Lori Hyde and her husband Brian Hyde.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 wonderful years, Mary Cernuto; his daughters, Elizabeth (Michael) Tubville, Kimberly (Shawn) Underwood, Nicole (Reka) Akins; his son, Michael (Amber) Cernuto; his brother, Joe Cernuto III of Pennsylvania; and his sister, Mary Lou Cernuto of Pennsylvania.
Don was a proud grandfather to David Hyde, Nicholas Hyde, Dustin Hyde, Cole Tubville, Emma Tubville, Raegan Underwood, Cameron Underwood, Olivia Cernuto, Zach Cernuto, Cole Cernuto, Cobe Cernuto. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren in Pennsylvania and his faithful, fluffy companion, Dallas, who held a special place in his heart.
A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Don served his country with courage and distinction during two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded two Purple Hearts, along with numerous medals, citations, Combat Action Ribbons, and recognition for gallantry. His service as a Marine remained a source of tremendous pride throughout his life.
Don’s love of sports began in his adolescent years and remained an important part of his story. Among his memorable athletic accomplishments was being a walk-on with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Professionally, Don took great pride in his career and especially in his management work with Builders FirstSource. Yet, for all of his professional and personal accomplishments, Don considered the births of his children and grandchildren among the proudest and happiest moments of his life. Family was at the heart of who he was.
Don was a devoted and active member of St. Catherine Catholic Church, where he generously shared his time, faith, talents, and leadership. He served on the St. Catherine Church Council and as a religious education teacher. He could also frequently be found helping with pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, and other parish activities. One particularly enjoyable accomplishment was taking first place in the St. Catherine Chili Cook-Off.
His commitment to service extended well beyond his parish. Don was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #2277, attaining the First, Second, and Third Degrees and serving in leadership roles that included Faithful Navigator and District Deputy. Don and his family were honored as Family of the Year in 1997.
He was also an active member of the American Legion and gave his time and skills to Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for families in his community. Whether serving his country, strengthening his church, helping a neighbor, or gathering with family, Don believed in showing up and giving of himself.
Don leaves behind a legacy of courage, faith, service, hard work, and, above all, love for his family. His many accomplishments tell only part of his story. He will be remembered most for the lives he touched, the family he treasured, the country he proudly served, and the community to which he gave so much.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Disabled American Veterans in honor of Don’s lifetime of service and his fellow veterans or Blood Cancer United (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)
Semper Fi.
