Help Us Lay Donald to Rest in His Hometown

Our beloved father, Donald, passed away on June 1, 2025, after several years of declining health and a difficult final battle with stage 5 kidney failure. He was 65.

Donald—lovingly known as Donnie—was born and raised in North Tonawanda, NY, where he attended school and church at St. John's Lutheran Church. He served proudly as a Captain at the St. Johnsburg Fire Company and was a passionate Buffalo Bills fan, never missing a game.

More than anything, Donnie loved his family. He faced tremendous medical challenges with strength and resilience. In November 2020, he suffered a series of strokes at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, due to staffing shortages and insurance limitations, he was never able to receive the therapy he needed. For the last five years, he was unable to walk or get out of bed on his own. Despite everything, he remained mentally sharp, loving, and connected to us.

His condition worsened rapidly in the past six months. Just a few weeks ago, we were still talking with him. Then suddenly, his kidneys failed, and we lost him far sooner than we were prepared for.

Donnie’s final wish was simple: to be laid to rest in his hometown in New York.

Our family is now facing not only this heartbreaking loss but also a financial hardship. Our mother, his wife, is also seriously ill and unable to work. Unfortunately, insurance did not cover much of his long-term care, and we were unprepared for the costs associated with his passing.

We are humbly asking for your help to cover funeral expenses, transportation, and burial in New York—so we can honor his final wish and bring him home.

Many have asked about sending flowers, but if you’re willing, a contribution toward his final arrangements would be more meaningful than we can express. Any amount—no matter how small—would make a big difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read about our dad, and for keeping our family in your thoughts during this time.

Dad's Funeral Service is at

Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Atlanta

4000 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342

Date and Time for Memorial Service

Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 12 noon

Dad's Memorial Funeral and Committal is at

St. John Lutheran Church 

6950 Ward Rd, North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Saturday Oct. 4th 2025 at 10am.

My Dad went home to Heaven June 1st 2025 around 9:32 am. I was praying he would get better, and God did give my family and me a chance to talk to him, even if it was for a short time. It was hard to say goodbye just yesterday, the last time he was able to talk just a little. I love you, Dad, and I know you will be with our family and in the Buffalo stadium when the Bills are playing. I know how much he loved Buffalo and the Niagara Falls area. He's home now with his mom and dad, hugging them and watching over us. I'm happy he's not in pain anymore, but I really miss my calls and seeing my Dad. I will always remember the life lessons he gave my brothers and me and what he taught us to be good men. I know one day I will see him again, but this is going to be hard for my family right now. Just pray for my family to have strength in this time. Love you, Dad, very much.