Donald Frederick Foley

Donald Frederick Foley, age 84 of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away August 3, 2026. He was born to Miriam C. and Howard D. Foley on December 30, 1941.

He grew up on Indianapolis’ north side and graduated from North Central High School in 1960 after serving as class president. Jazz was one of the great passions of his life. While at North Central, he explored his love for jazz music through playing the trumpet with his band – Don Foley and The Mood Masters.

After graduating from DePauw University with a degree in World History, he entered law school at Indiana University and graduated in 1967. He served as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Indianapolis from 1971-1972. Upon entering private practice, he concentrated on corporate work that included construction and employment law, franchising, and trial work. He enjoyed professional collaboration with his longtime friend and law partner Tony Abbott with whom he practiced for 40 years. He was a practicing attorney for 53 years in total.

Alongside his law practice, he led his family’s business, Merchandise Warehouse. In his business career, he expanded the operation to include additional refrigerated, frozen and specialty storage facilities, served on the boards of the Indiana Warehouse Association, American Chain of Warehouses and other similar boards. During this time, he provided mentorship to his son, daughter, nephews and others as the business grew.

In 1999, he married the love of his life, Susan Wardrop with his daughter Jenny serving as matron of honor and his son Don as best man, and with grandchildren bearing the rings.

Together he and Susan forged a life centered on their faith, family and service. He loved his church, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church where he was an Elder and choir member. Another of his life’s passions was his service to Connection Ministries, an outreach to mentally and physically disabled adults. He served along with Susan and his grandchildren for over 40 years. The two also enjoyed traveling and celebrating family events.

For many years, he was a generous benefactor of the Indianapolis jazz community, helping sustain local musicians and ensuring that live jazz continued to thrive. His love of jazz and commitment to those who created it left a lasting legacy that will continue to be felt for years to come.

Don is survived by his wife Susan Foley, sister Patricia Siddiq, son Donald Foley, II (Linda), daughter Jennifer Foley Gabovitch (Michael), five grandchildren: Tyler Foley (Alessandra), Maisy Foley, Jacob Daniels (Mina), Zachary Daniels, and Kendall Daniels. Four step-grandchildren Max, Eli, Sam, and Annie Gabovitch; nephews Sharif Siddiq (Samantha), Tim Siddiq (Karmen), Bob Siddiq (Nycole) and a host of friends and extended family members.

His life will be celebrated at Spirit of Joy Church, 3535 N. Kessler Blvd, Indianapolis on Saturday August 15, with visitation from 10AM – 12 noon, with services immediately following.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Spirit of Joy church or Connections Ministries.

https://spiritofjoyindy.com/spread-joy/

https://connection-ministries.org/give/

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flanner Buchanan-Broad Ripple.