Donald Dennis Gonyea “Duck”

KINGSBURY – Don Passed away on Tuesday August 22nd, 2023, at 78, at Albany Medical Center Following a brief illness with his loving family by his side.

Don was born on September 17th, 1944, to Marion (Robare) Gonyea and Leonard Gonyea in Morrisonville, New York.

He was raised on a farm with 6 other siblings. Don enlisted in the United States Army in 1962at age 18 and served his country from 1962 to 1965. Following his tours in Germany, Don was discharged home. He then Married the love of his life Byrle “Blair” Gonyea on November 13, 1965. They settled in the Kingsbury area. Don and Byrle spent 58 wonderful years together and truly shared, “A love with no end”.

Don worked for 37 ½ Years for Decora Manufacturing company in Fort Edward New York. He was very active serving his community in the Hudson Falls Volunteer Fire Department for 10 years and then serving for the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company as fire police chief for 44 years up until his passing. Amongst his many hobbies and passions his number one passion was his family, that he loved spending time with. Especially with his grandchildren and great granddaughter Letty Jean.

In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his stepmother, Bertha “Badger” Gonyea; his brothers, Armond and Gary Gonyea; his sister, Verna Desourdy; brother-in-law, John Desourdy; sister-in-law Patricia Gonyea; father and mother-in-law Arthur and Myrle Blair; his brother’s-in-law, Leon, Gerald, Myrle and Robert Blair, and Leslie Lester.; sisters-in-law Shirley Marshall and Elsie Lester.

Left to cherish Don’s memory is his beloved wife of 58 years, Byrle; his daughters Marion Gonyea of Queensbury and Melissa Gonyea of Hudson Falls; his grandsons, Corey (Kasey) Mechanick of Sabattus, Maine, and Joshua Daniels of Queensbury; his great granddaughter who he cherished beyond words, Letty Jean Mechanick of Sabattus ME,. His brothers Marvin “Sonny” (Jeanette) of Hudson Falls NY and Gerald “Joe” (Virginia) of Tennessee, Sister Gloria Bren of Minnesota and many nieces and nephews as well as good friend Jerry French.

At Donald’s request, there will be no calling hours.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Kingsbury Fire Department Banquet Hall in the Town of Kingsbury.

A prayer will be said at 2 pm at the fire house on Saturday with full military honors to follow, provided by the Hudson Falls American Legion Color Guard Post 574.   

Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

The family would like to thank Albany Medical Center for their exceptional care during this difficult time as well as all his family and friends.

Donations in Donald’s memory may be made to his family to help cover the costs of funeral expenses.