ROCKVILLE — Don Praisner, who won a seat on the Montgomery County council last spring, died Friday afternoon following surgery for colon cancer, according to a county press statement. He was 76 years old.
The District 4 Dem entered an undisclosed hospital earlier this month after experiencing stomach problems over several weeks. He was diagnosed with colon cancer and had surgery on Monday.
Praisner replaced his wife, Marilyn, on the county council after her unexpected death last February. She served on the council for 17 years, representing Aspen Hill, Burtonsville, Calverton, Cloverly, Colesville, Derwood, Fairland, Olney, Sandy Spring, Silver Spring, Spencerville, Wheaton and White Oak. Her death from complications following heart surgery happened during her fifth term.
“At a time when Don could have stayed in retirement following Marilyn’s death, he decided that it was important to not only carry on her legacy in government, but also to make sure that the needs and wishes of the residents of district 4 were well represented,” council president Phil Andrews said in a statement. “We will all miss him and his clear voice on important issues.”
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Undated photo courtesy of the county council.
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Thank you for passing along this sad news, Penguin.
What a tragedy. Don and Marilyn served this community tirelessly. He will be missed.
That is sad news. Folks, when you hit 40 or so, talk to your doctor about getting a colonoscopy. I had my first one last year and while it’s not pleasant (the prep work), it can save your life.
I am a life long Republican who admired Ida Ruben and Marilyn and Don Praisner in my youth and adulthood ( I’m 27 yrs old) for their work in the community.
Before going into surgery, Praisner asked the county council to fill his now-vacant seat with an appointee rather than hold another $1.3 million special election.
You can read the full statement here.
I didn’t know either of them (I’ve only lived here for a little over a year and a half) but it was a classy move for him to urge his successor be appointed rather than having another election.
I feel for his family, losing the both of them in under a year.
Funeral arrangements have been announced.