Donald McNeice

McNeice, Donald CAMBRIDGE, N.Y. Donald McNeice, 78, died peacefully at home on Monday, February 13, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Virginia (Paro) McNeice. Born October 19, 1933 in Bethesda, Md., he was the son of the late Robert and Margaret (Pritchard) McNeice. He attended Catholic University for his initial schooling and transferred to Pratt Institute of Art in Brooklyn, graduating with a bachelor's in architecture. In 1966, the family moved from Huntington, Long Island to Cambridge to pursue Don's dream of living on a farm with his family. He went to work for Crandall Associates P.C. in Glens Falls, the architectural firm which he acquired in the early 1980's. Don was responsible for the design of many local buildings including the addition to Glens Falls Hospital, the Glens Falls Civic Center, and the Washington County Courthouse. He was known by his colleagues for the architectural design of the Continental Building, which is considered a landmark of Glens Falls. His favorite project, however, was the ongoing design of the McNeice Family Home frequently referred to by friends and neighbors as "the compound." Don was a true Renaissance man. Gourmet cuisine, photography, fine woodworking, knitting and farming were only a few of his many talents. Many of Don's friends and colleagues thought of him as their mentor. One of his friends and neighbors said it best when he said, "If I didn't know something, I would go to Don. He would know everything about it, and then some." His love for his family was the most important thing to Don. He encouraged his children to find what they loved and to pursue it to excellence, as he did. His children will remember the lessons of curiosity, hard work, and passion for learning that he exemplified. It was important to Don that his wife Virginia have every opportunity to pursue her career as a landscape artist. To that end, he built her a beautiful studio and gallery space, travelled with her to many countries, and patiently sat on museum benches while she studied the artwork. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Virginia; four children, Maggie McNeice of South Portland, Maine, Brian McNeice and his wife Jenny Ramstetter of Brattleboro, Vt., Kathy McNeice and her fiance, JR Dugas of Cambridge, Annie McNeice of Cambridge; two sisters, Dorothy Hansen of El Cajon, Calif., and Dolores Feurerbacher of Springfield, Mo., and many nieces, nephews and eight grandchildren. A family service will be held in the spring. If you would like to remember Don in a special way, the family suggests a donation to Hubbard Hall Projects, 25 West Main Street, Cambridge, NY 12816. Please visit www. ackleyrossfuneralhome.com to share a memory or send a condolence.