HUDSON FALLS – Donald J. Philion Sr., 79, lifelong resident of Hudson Falls, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2017, surrounded by love and grace at Glens Falls Hospital.
Born on February 25, 1938 in Hudson Falls, he was the son of Everett and Geneva (Ringer) Philion.
Don was a lifelong resident of Hudson Falls and graduated from Hudson Falls High School, class of 1956, he worked at Glens Falls Insurance Company where he met his future wife, Shirley Hartwell. They were united in marriage on July 4, 1959, and recently celebrated 58 years together. Don worked 21 years at Hercules/Ciba-Geigy and retired from Finch Paper in 2001. After retirement, he volunteered as a bus driver for the Kingsbury Senior Center.
Don was a volunteer with the Fort Edward Rescue Squad in the early 1970s, in addition to being an usher at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s in Hudson Falls for many years. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 296 and also served as Grand Knight from 1987 to 1988.
Don was a devoted husband and father, and often work more than one job to support his family. He was a kind and generous man. His wife and family meant the world to him. He enjoyed spending time with his children as they grew, supporting them in their endeavors and celebrating their achievements. We did not realize growing up what a wonderful sense of humor he had, however we were able to appreciate his spontaneity, wit, and playfulness as adults. We have fond memories of camping at Moreau State Park, fishing and picnics. He was a serious Civil War and WW 2 buff and was able to visit many historic sites over the years.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Everett and Geneva Philion and his oldest son, Michael.
In addition to wife Shirley, he is survived by his children, Ann Doerffel and her husband, Dave of Warminster, PA, Susan Philion of Hudson Falls, Theresa Philion of Queensbury, Charles Philion and his partner, Bill Gardy of Albany, Jeanne Philion-Nichols and her husband, Brian of Queensbury and Donald J. Philion Jr. of Gansevoort. He was beloved by his grandchildren, Katherine (Garavelli) Lee and her husband, Justin of South Glens Falls, Corporal John T. Doerffel, USMC stationed at Okinawa, Japan, Elizabeth and Patrick Nichols of Queensbury and Nathan Philion of Queensbury. ,He was Bop-Bop to his great-grandchildren, Maxwell and Isabelle Lee. He is survived by his brother, Richard Philion and his wife, Patricia of Pottstown, PA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at the Stanton Nursing Home during his stay there, especially Erin, Heather, Tom and Dr. Roslyn Socolof in addition to the Pallative Care team from Hudson Headwaters.
Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Michaels The Archangel Church, 80 Saratoga Ave., South Glens Falls, with Rev. Guy A. Childs, officiating.
The Rite of Committal will follow at St Paul’s Cemetery in the town of Kingsbury.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggests that donations be made to the Lustgarten Foundation (working to cure pancreatic cancer) 111 Stewart Ave, Bethpage, NY 11714 or to the Open Door Mission, 47 Lawrence Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.
A gathering to celebrate Don’s life will be held following the burial at the home of his daughter, Susan, 3 Notre Dame Street, Hudson Falls.
“Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a daddy.”
