Donald Daniels Jr.

1952 - 2025

North Fort Myers, FL - Donald M. Daniels Jr., 73, of North Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Hudson Falls, New York, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born to the late Donald M. Daniels Sr. and Lois M. Daniels of Hudson Falls, NY. Donald lived a life marked by strength, devotion, and deep love for his family. Known affectionately by many as "Beefer," he was a man of great stature and presence both in body and in heart.

Donald was especially devoted to his wife, Catherine, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. He cared for her tenderly through her illness for many years - a true reflection of his loyalty, compassion, and unwavering love.

Donald was a proud athlete in his younger years, playing both basketball and baseball, and carried that same team spirit into every aspect of his life. In both his Junior and Senior years in high school he led both the basketball and baseball teams to Conference Championships. In basketball he was a leading scorer and rebounder each year. In the 1970 Conference Championship game he scored 26 points and grabbed 25 rebounds.

In baseball he was the ace pitcher recognized for pitching excellence and offensive production as the cleanup hitter. ln 1969 as a junior he led the team to a 19-1 season going 10-0 as a starting pitcher including winning the school's first ever Sectional Championship. The following season he was the team leader in RBIs with a nearly.400 batting average. Even in adulthood, he was known to put one over the fence frequently at Derby Park.

He shared his love of baseball by coaching Little League and Legion Baseball for many years, especially coaching his son, Jeremy. Donald cherished every moment spent with Jeremy on and off the field, from coaching him during games to watching the Yankees together and talking baseball.

His daughter Heather lovingly cared for Donald in her home, remaining by his side through his final moments on hospice. The bond between them was incredibly strong - built on love, laughter, and deep mutual respect. They shared a closeness that was evident to all who knew them.

Throughout his career, Donald worked for Scott Paper and later for C.R. Bard, where he was respected for his strong work ethic, reliability, and leadership.

Donald was the heart of his family. His fondest memories were spent with his loved ones: the many summers at Hadlock, the years in the home he built in Kingsbury, and the countless moments shared with his grandchildren.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Donald spent many years enjoying the outdoors in New York, especially at the hunting camp in Corinth. After moving to Florida, he loved hunting alongside his son-in-law Matthew, celebrating memorable moments such as his first southern deer and wild hog.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine Aubrey Daniels; their children, Jeremy Daniels and his wife Amanda, and Heather Combs and her husband Matthew; his cherished grandchildren, Evan, Logan, Brennan, and Lillian Daniels, and Cody, Victoria, and Daniel Combs; and his precious great-granddaughter, Ellie Combs. He is also survived by his sister, Melanie Doty and her husband Steven. Brother in laws Thomas Aubrey (Jim), Scott Aubrey, Mark Aubrey (Kim). Sister in laws Suzanne Aubrey, Chris Kalisz (John), and Shirley Carson. Special nieces and nephews; his lifelong friend Steve Stephens; special friends Shari Lacey, Champ Jolly, John Lewis and his many friends he met through Bill W.

Donald was predeceased by his sister, Linda Nicolai, as well as his parents.

A memorial service will be held Saturday November 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church 14036 Matanzas Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33905 to honor Donald's life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Donald's memory to Hope Hospice or Grace Church 14006 Matanzas Drive. Ft Myers 33905, please include "recovery" in the memo line.