Donald E. Suprenant

QUEENSBURY, NY – Donald E. Suprenant entered into the Grace of God on Thursday, March 12, 2015 in the presence of his family. He had been seriously ill since November and he now rests in peace.

Don was born on February 20, 1935 in Glens Falls, NY to Antoine and Yvonne Suprenant.  He was one of two siblings.  He grew up in Hudson Falls, NY, and graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1952 where he played baseball, football and basketball.  He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from 1953 to 1957 during the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged from military service in 1957.

Don met his future wife, Caroline Gillman, and in 1961, they were married in St. Mary’s Church in Glens Falls.  Don was a longtime letter carrier for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1990 after 34 years of service.  He is well-remembered by the many people he saw each day on his seven-mile walk on the streets of the Village of Hudson Falls with a heavy mailbag over his shoulder.

Don was a devoted parishioner and usher of the Church of St. Mary/St. Paul in Hudson Falls.  He was a loyal member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge #81.  He served as Exalted Ruler in 1988, and was named Elk of the Year for 1997-1998.  He had also been a member of American Legion Post #374 in Lake George, NY.  Don thoroughly enjoyed family picnics and functions, particularly the annual July gathering in Indian Lake.  He was awarded the prestigious “Golden Spatula” for barbecue excellence in 2012.  He was very proud of his grandchildren — both their academic and their athletic achievements.  One of the joys of his retirement was pulling up a lawn chair or taking a seat in the bleachers to watch one of their many games and tournaments.  He also followed professional and collegiate sports on television.

Donald was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Caroline. He is also survived by his son Michael (Cynthia) of Queensbury, his daughter Elizabeth (Phillip) Tripp of Hartford, NY, and his daughter Deborah of Wilton, NY.  He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved grandchildren Kaitlin and Zackary Tripp of Hartford.  In addition, Don is survived by a brother, Jack Suprenant of Lawrence, KS.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.  He will be missed by his 16 year-old dog, Bailey, who was the recipient of many under-the-table scraps over the years.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 15, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 16 at the Church of St. Mary/St. Paul in Hudson Falls at 9:30 a.m., with the with Rev. Thomas Babiuch officiating.

The Rite of Committal will be held at the convenience of the family in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Glens Falls, NY.

The family asks that memorial contributions be directed to the Cornerstone Soup Kitchen & Food Pantry, 293 1/2 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.