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Donald Farnum Obituary

Donald L. Farnum, Sr.,  beloved husband, father and grandfather

CUBA -- Donald L. Farnum, Sr., 78, of 26 Mill Street, Cuba, passed away Sunday, August 10, 2025 at Olean General Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born on May 12, 1947, in Cuba, he was a son of C. Luther and Hazel (Wickwire) Farnum.  On June 5, 1971, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Angelica, he married the former Cynthia A. Roe who survives.

Don was a graduate of Angelica Central School Class of 1966.  He then graduated from Olean Business Institute.

He worked for the Allegany County Department of Public Works for 30 years prior to his retirement.

While his sons were young, he enjoyed coaching their little league baseball team, the Blue Jays, and was proud that his teams were league champs every year he coached.  He never missed his children's or grandchildren's sporting events and was proud of all their accomplishments.  While at home he enjoyed bird watching, gardening, and his beloved dog, Oreo, who predeceased him.

He was a huge sports fan following the Toronto Blue Jays, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and St. Bonaventure Men's Basketball.  Every summer he looked forward to volunteering at the Friendship Central School booth at the Allegany County Fair.  He was a cub master of his son's scout troops and was also past president of the Mt. Hope Cemetery Association.

Don is survived by his wife, Cynthia; four children Donald (Marguerite) Farnum, Jr., of Orchard Park, Jason (Jessica) Farnum of Kenmore, Nathan (Leah) Farnum of Little Valley, and Tara Farnum of Cuba; his grandchildren Akrista, Kasey, Paisly, Kyleigh (Jude), Megan, Katrina, Sarah, Elliott, Calum, Alex, Avery, and Layla; a brother David (Katherine) Farnum of Friendship, a brother-in-law Ronald McKnight of Cleveland, Mississippi; and adopted brother Gary Farnum of Andover; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother Duane (Joyce Ann) Farnum; a sister Denise McKnight, and a nephew Matthew Farnum.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 1-3 for a Memorial Visitation.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the American Heart Association or the National Audubon Society.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Olean Times Herald on Aug. 14, 2025.

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Thomas Manko

August 15, 2025

Nate, please accept my sincerest condolences upon the loss of your father. He raised an excellent son which reflects upon his wonderful character. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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Memorial Events
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Aug

17

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service

9 Bull Street, Cuba, NY

Funeral services provided by:

Mark F Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service Inc

9 Bull St, Cuba, NY 14727

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