Donald A. Ladd

In Loving Memory
Donald A. "Joe" Ladd
February 9, 1941 - October 11, 2025
MEXICO, NY - The shining light has gone out for a longtime resident of Mexico, NY. Don was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and loyal friend to many. He passed away peacefully at home at the age of 84 with his loving family by his side. He was born February 9, 1941 in Arthur, NY, the last of 12 children of George and Jeanette Ladd. He learned early in life that hard work paid off by cleaning barns, doing hay, and picking apples to earn money in the 1950s. By his teens Don started fixing cars and found a passion for mechanical repair, the challenge of taking something broken and giving it new life. This evolved into an appreciation for different cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, and other machines that Don would carry throughout his life.
Don retired in 1992 from New Venture Gear after 30 years of employment. This gave him time to enjoy his passions which included farming, fishing, going to car shows, maintaining his home and property, as well as many other outdoor activities.
Don is survived by: his loving wife of 46 years Susan Ladd (nee Kramer); daughter Jodi (Timothy) Gorman with their children Adora and Timmy; and son Donald J. (AnnMarie) Ladd; also by children from a previous marriage, Dennis (Peggy) Ladd, Kristen (Ed) Vosburgh, Brian (Ruta) Ladd, Andrew (Charlotte) Ladd, Scott Ladd, Darla (Edward Swan) Ladd, Jennalyn (Dana) Johnson, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and eleven siblings.
A special thank you to his nephews Randy and Victor for always checking in and being there for him.
Funeral Service Information will be as follows:
Relatives and Friends are invited to Calling Hours from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from Harter Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Washington Avenue, Mexico NY. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.