Donald David Hart Sr.

Donald David Hart Sr., 74, of Fordsbush Spur Road, passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife, Melanie Jane Hart, on August 9, 2025. Born in Little Falls, NY, on September 28, 1950, Donald was the cherished son of Lois Carpenter and David Hart. Donald is reunited in eternal peace with his mother Lois Ripley and siblings Linda Folts, David Hart, and Kathy Fuller. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience that will live on through his family and all who knew him. Donald and Melanie were married on July 26, 1969, and recently celebrated 56 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with devotion and adventure, raising five children: Angela Frederick (David), Donald Hart Jr. (Lucinda), Michael Hart (fiancée Alicia), Jolene Lambert (Dana), and Jason Hart (Jennifer). A true outdoorsman, Donald found joy in nature-hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling with his sons, sons-in-law and grandsons. Traveling to Pulaski fishing for salmon with his family/friends or hunting in the cabin he built with his son's and dear friends. His storytelling was legendary, especially tales of "the one that got away or the one where he ran over his daughter Jolene with a four wheeler in the mud," always delivered with a twinkle in his eye and a hearty laugh while he sipped his favorite beverage, Scotch on the rocks. A recent trip to Alaska fulfilled his lifelong dream of panning for gold like the old-timers-he may not have found a nugget, but he brought home gold and priceless memories. Donald was a proud member of several organizations which included the Moose Lodge in Little Falls and the Muzzleloader Club, where he served as President for many years. As the President he engaged in many activities and won several awards for ax throwing, shooting all the while alongside his best friends and sons. He also was a baseball coach with Coach Philips when his sons where younger and helped with their dream of going to Florida to play there. This trip is still talked about by many regarding all the pranks that took place between Donald and the boys. When he was a young man, he took over the family farm and later became Head Machinist at Salada Tea, where he played a key role in the company's operations, even traveling to Germany to help develop machinery still used today. He dedicated over 30 years to Salada/Redco Foods before retiring. Donald was a deeply loved grandfather to all and known as "Poppa" to Meggin Whiteman (RJ), Brok-Aaron Frederick (Allyson), Isabella Lambert, Hayley Hart, Mathew Lambert, Ryleigh Hart, Ashlynn Hart, Ayden Hart, Tristan Ryan, Ethan Hart, and Wyatt Hart. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Addison Frederick, Kinley Whiteman, John-Carson Frederick, Ashton Ryan, Charleigh Lambert, Ela-Lee Michelfleder. His love extended to many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, with whom he shared a special bond, and taught them about fishing, hunting and camping. A Celebration of Life will be held in Donald's honor on September 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Elks Lodge in Nelliston, NY. The family welcomes everyone to come honor, share memories and toast to him. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Elks Lodge or your local animal shelter, in honor of Donald's lifelong love for dogs-especially his most recent companion, Lady Jane. To send online condolences, please visit www.ottmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.