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Donald L. Pembleton

Donald Pembleton Obituary

Pembleton, Donald L. BALLSTON SPA Donald L. Pembleton, of Lewis Rd., Ballston Spa, died unexpectedly Friday, July 11, 2008 at his home. He was 73. Born on November 11, 1933, in Wilkes Barre, Pa., he was the son of the late Asa Lee Pembleton and Edith Aulenbach. Donald started his career as an electrician for Marine Midland Bank in Buffalo, N.Y. He went to work for over 35 years for SEIU (Service Employees International Union) in Syracuse, N.Y., until he retired from the union. He then became a lobbyist for AFL-CIO, which brought him to the Capital District in 1985. After several years, he was appointed as the assistant commissioner of labor for New York State, where he worked for 10 years until his retirement in 2000. Never one to sit idle, he has continued to work part-time for the Department of Labor. He also served for over 20 years in the Army National Guard. He was a beloved and devoted husband, father and grandfather who always put his family and friends first above all else. He was an avid bowler, golfer, member of the George Washington Hunting and Fishing Club, and had a love for the Saratoga Race Track. His favorite time of all was when family and friends would gather together to either celebrate a holiday or just for fun! He is predeceased by a sister, June; two brothers, William and Ralph. Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Ann Marie Pembleton of Ballston Spa; two sons, Donald Lee Pembleton Jr. of Buffalo and James P. Pembleton of Syracuse; four daughters, Deborah L. Rusz-kiewicz of Phillipsburg, Pa., Kelly M. Travis and her husband Chip of Pittsford, N.Y., Janean M. Hewes and her husband Bill of Clifton Park, N.Y., and Krissy M. Fleming and her husband Ed of Capistrano Beach Calif.; two brothers, Charles Pembleton of Largo, Fla., Stanley Pembleton of New York, N.Y.; brothers-in-law, Ronald DeWald of Buffalo, and Richard DeWald of Depew, N.Y.; 13 grandchildren, Joshua, Blair, Kellen, Tina, Kenneth, Michele, Brandy, Zachary, Elena, Morgan, Diana, Kenneth, and Nicholas; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. At the request of the family, a private funeral service will be held and there will be no calling hours. Burial will be in Saratoga National Cemetery, Saratoga, N.Y. Based on his love of children, memorial donations can be made in his memory to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of the Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Jul. 13, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Pembleton

20 Entries

deborah pembleton

September 15, 2008

dear dad we were cheated out of so many years because of the miles between us but i hope you always know how much i loved you and that you meant the world to me there has never been a dad more loved then you,because you were agreat dad husband grandfather and great grandfather you were always there for everyone known that you will always live in our hearts you are by my side everyday as i am by yours visit me often dad ilove you dad as do my children all my love is with you always and forever your daughter debbie love from tina ken michelle brandy and all the great grandchildren

Kelly Travis

July 27, 2008

First, for all of you who knew my dad I'm sure you know what a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend he was. I was truly blessed to have him in my life for 46 years (not long enough). My Dad's love for his family was way beyond what anyone could ever imagine. Like on Christmas Day when he made sure that the fire was burning in the fireplace (on TV of course, we didn't have an actual fireplace) and he would play Santa Claus and hand out every present to each of us carefully watching us unwrap each and every gift. Our house was always decorated from top to bottom, inside and out. I can't even imagine the electric bill for the month of December with all the outdoor decorations he put up. He never stopped decorating, even after all the kids were out of the house. On Easter he hid Easter eggs both real ones and plastic ones. He would tell us whether we were hot or cold so we could find the best ones with the dollar bills in them. We'd look for the eggs all morning long until it was time to leave for our annual Easter dinner (steak and lobster). I'll never forget these wonderful memories.

I am so happy I had the opportunity to work with my Dad at SEIU one summer. I realized how much he was respected and loved by everyone. I knew from that point on in every job I had I would work as hard as he did and be as dedicated as he was.

I want to thank my Dad for being there for our Mom and for taking care of her and our family. For never giving up on me through good and bad. For teaching me to be a strong, good person and do what is right. To have a smile on my face every day, even if I didn't feel like smiling. To laugh at your own jokes (and his). He loved his own jokes the most. I'll never forget each time I called him and asked him what he was doing and he'd always reply "talking to you." Or how did you sleep? "On my back." But one of my favorites was when you were sitting next to him and he'd reach over into your ear and say "How's everything in Earie." These are just a few of his "one liners" I will always remember. I'll never forgot calling him and comparing who saved the most money on groceries with their coupons. He taugh me everything I know and love about shopping and clipping coupons.

Thanks for being a wonderful grandfather to Zach and Elena. They truly love you and will miss you.

I love you Dad for all that you were and all that you did and will miss you so much. I'm sorry I never got a chance to say goodbye and tell you just how much I admired you and loved you but I hope you knew that. Please watch over us until we meet in heaven! (your daughter - Kelly)

Ed Fleming

July 25, 2008

I would like to note the top 10 things I loved about my father in law:

1) I love that he and Mom brought Krissy into this world and and did such a wonderful job raising her.
2) I love that that he was a family man and enjoyed being around all of us.
3) I loved that he loved Mom and looked after her.
4) I love that he cursed up a storm on the golf course as it always brought me a good laugh and I was never embarrassed.
5) I love his work ethic and commitment to his job and how he built a career without a college education.
6) I love his pride in always having food on the table.
7) I love that he quit smoking and was able to add a few years to his life.
8) I love that he always was who he was.
9) I Iove that he had a huge soft spot for children
10) I love that he loved me and everyone else in this room.

Kera Callen

July 21, 2008

Dear Krissy & Ed,
We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Our hearts go out to you, and we send our hugs along with our prayers.
Love, Kera & Joanne

Leslie Day

July 21, 2008

Dear Don, Wendy and family:

I was so saddened to hear of your sudden loss of your Dad. Losing our parents is always a difficult and tragic time for all. I hope it helps to know that many thughts are with you at this challenging time. Hold dear to the memories.

Leslie Day

Angela Borgia

July 20, 2008

Dearest Krissy and Ed,
We are truly sorry and saddened by your loss.We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.We send you alll of our love. Love,Alli & Angie and Family

Amy VanSteenburgh (Ryan)

July 15, 2008

Ann Marie and Family,

I was sad to hear of Don's passing. Don was a great father, father-in-law and grandfather. I remember the day I was in the DOCS Olympics on the State Campus and he came on his lunch time to watch me participate and bring cool wash clothes (it was about 90 degrees that day). Don was easy-going and funny. He will be missed by many. I have many wonderful memories of the trips to Vermont and the Saratoga Track. Remember the same great memories you all had with him as well and know that Don is without illness or pain. He will be watching over all of you-in hopes that you will win the lottery big!!!

Debora Politis

July 15, 2008

Dear Ann Marie and family,
I was heartbroken to hear of your loss. I was Don's secretary while at the Local 200, SEIU. You can really measure a man by working for him. Don was a fun, hard-working, humble and gracious boss.
Working with Don from 1980-1985 meant you got the family. Ann Marie, you never forgot to bring a souvenir from vacations, gifts for Christmas, etc. I will always be grateful for having known Don and his family.
May God grant rest to Don and strength to Ann Marie and family.
With love, Debbie Politis

Rich, Kay Ann and Nicholas Hayes

July 14, 2008

Dear Janean and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you and keep you.

Rich, Kay Ann and Nicholas Hayes

Daphne Knight

July 14, 2008

Dear Mrs. Pembleton:

>I was shocked by the sudden loss of your husband, Don. I pray that God will comfort you and your family in this time of grief and fill your hearts with His peace.

Robert Redmond

July 14, 2008

Dear Ann Marie and family,

I am deeply saddened by Don's untimely passing. From the very outset of his career at the Dep't. of Labor, we shared a spirit of camaraderie that enlivened my daily experiences as a Senior Attorney in Counsel's Office. While displaying the attributes of a consummate professional in the dispatch of his responsibilities, Don never lost sight of the human interests at stake. He remained interested and accessible, evincing a jovial sense of humor that endeared him to co-workers and to the public that we served.

It is my fervent hope that memories of shared happy times together will provide a measure of solace at this time of sorrow.

Bob Redmond

Petra Malitz

July 14, 2008

Dear Janean and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Please know that I am thinking about you all during this difficult time.

Nicole & Scott Banagan

July 14, 2008

Janean & Family:
We are so sorry to hear of your dad's passing - our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

michael java

July 14, 2008

anne marie,
from work, bowling / golf,,,family,,,
helped a lot of people,,,made a lot of friends,,,,gonna miss ya, buddy......

Sandy Hewes

July 13, 2008

Dear Ann Marie and family,
I know how difficult the days ahead will be. Please know that you can always call and talk to me. My prayers are with you all.
Love Sandy

Sally Gross

July 13, 2008

Dear Janean, Bill and Family,
My prayers are with all of you at this
time.
Love Sally

Kevin Jones

July 13, 2008

I knew Don from when he first came to work for the Department of Labor. Don had the ability to remain impartial in any situation, which made him an ideal hearing officer. Not only did he have the ability to project calm, but he had a voice that was soothing to hear, and he had a manner about him that spoke with authority.

Anyone who met Don, came away feeling glad to have made his acquaintance. So, I know that the number of folks who called Don their friend had to be one long list. Don will be missed.

My condolences to Don's family on their sudden an unexpected loss. Please know that there are many of us who share in your loss.

ANNE POTTER

July 13, 2008

Dear Mrs. Pembleton and Family , Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most dificult time. Love The Potter Family (Anne,John,Kaylie,Tyler and Paige)

Dale & David Sommerman

July 13, 2008

Ann Marie,
We were deeply saddened to learn of Don's passing. I can remember back to the very first day I met him, when he came into my office to apply for tenancy; I thought then, what a very nice person he was. He never proved me wrong; he will be greatly missed as one of our finer residents here @ Northern Pines. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and if there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.

Barry Schwartzberg

July 13, 2008

Don was a great guy and I enjoyed working with him when he was a compliance hearing officer for DOL. He was firm but fair. He will be missed by all who knew him and my sympathies go out to his family at this sad time.

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