Donald Lee Elthorp

MOHAWK – Donald Lee Elthorp, age 80, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, August 26, 2024, at Foltsbrook Center, Herkimer with his family at his side. He was born on January 21, 1944, in Mohawk, a son of the late Robert C. and Gertrude (Mosher) Elthorp. A lifelong area resident he graduated Mohawk HS with the class of 1962. On April 17, 1963, Don enlisted in the US Air Force and was honorably discharged on February 1, 1967.
On July 27, 1963, he married the former Carol Ann LaCelle in Cedarville, sharing a devoted marriage for over 60 years until her passing on January 13 of this year. They lived in Ilion until 1972 when they moved to Mohawk to raise their three sons and daughter. He worked for Remington Arms for a couple of years, then 12 ½ years as the Hennesy Vending Service Company. He retired in 2009 from HCCC after 23 years of dedicated service.
Don was a man who was service minded. He was a member of the Mohawk Fire Department working the Fire Police for over 45 years; he also served as a Chaplain for many years in the NYS Association of Fire Chaplains as well as a driver and Chaplain for MOVAC in there early start-up days. He was dedicated to his church and was a member of the Valley Baptist Church and later the Faith in Christ Church in Chadwicks. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and was an avid Ice Hockey Rangers fan. However, his happiest times were spent with family. He will be remembered most for his devotion to his wife Carol.
Surviving are three sons and their wives, David and Michele Elthorp of Peyton, CO, Dennis and Jordan Elthorp of Ilion, Daniel and Jamie Elthorp, a daughter Suzanne Bassett and her husband Shawn all of Herkimer, a sister, Roberta Holmes of Utica, 7 grandchildren, Mandy, Samantha, DJ, Derek, Deakon, Gage, Danika along with 7 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephew and cousins. Besides his parents and loving wife Carol, he was predeceased by five brothers, Charles, Alfred, William, Richard and George and his three sisters, Mary Edwards, Betty Jean White, and Harriett Feldburgge.
Calling hours will be on Friday, October 4th from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm at Fenner Funeral Home Inc, 115 Court Street, Herkimer. The funeral service will follow immediately after the calling hours at 1:00 pm. Interment will be in Cedarville Cemetery after the service.
Memorial donations may be made to the Mohawk Fire Department. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.