After graduating from East Syracuse High School Donald entered the 8th Air Force, 305th Bomb Group, in England as a tail-gunner. Upon returning from WWII, he graduated from Cornell University, and was initially employed with the American Agricultural Chemical Co. He then worked as a Counselor and Parole Officer at Attica State Prison, then was Assistant Director at Rochester Community Correction Center, and returned to Attica to retire.
Donald lived for 57 years with his family in Alexander, and enjoyed vegetable gardening, golfing, playing cards, traveling, and many winters spent in Florida at Campers Holiday. He was a long time member of the Alexander Fire Department and the Alexander United Methodist Church. For the past two and a half years, he has loved the warm support and companionship of residents and staff at the Manor House Senior Living Apartments in Batavia.
Donald was predeceased by his wife, Joan (Morgan) who died December 29, 2011; sister and brother-in-law, Betty L. (Dr.Charles V.) DeFuria; sister and brother-in-law, Thelma (Steve G.) Orman, sister Beulah R. (Earl) Stone, brother Carl B. Smith and son-in-law Jack (Donna) Long.
He is survived by his six children, Morgan (Lynae) Smith of Rochester, Nancy (Hogaku) Tsurumaki of Tokyo, Japan, Barbara (Allen) Johnson of Rochester, Audrey Watson of Syracuse, Donna Long of Pulaski, VA., Carol (Brian) Vaci of Myrtle Beach S.C., 13 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
A memorial gathering will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12 at the Alexander United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alexander Fire Department, P.O. Box 336, Alexander, NY 14005 and the Alexander United Methodist Church, 10540 Main Street, Alexander, NY 14005. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolance visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.
