DONALD W. "DON" WILHELM

Napanoch, NY

Donald "Don" W. Wilhelm of Napanoch, NY passed away on Monday, May 24, 2010, at Kingston Hospital.

Donald was the son of the late Susan Wood and Edward Wilhelm. He was predeceased by his wife, Anne Hall Wilhelm to whom he was married for 44 years.

Don was a retired plumber for the State of New York Department of Corrections. Prior to that Don was employed as a Maintenance Supervisor at the Channel Master Corp. until its closure. Don also worked at the Napanoch Paper Mill.

Don took great pride in his accomplishments within the community. He was a 67 year member of the Napanoch Fire Company, serving as both Past Chief and Past Commissioner of the Fire District. His love of this organization can be seen within his own family, having had sons, daughter and grandchildren become involved directly in the Fire Company or in its Ladies Auxiliary. Don was an honorary member of the Napanoch Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, spending many hours helping them to prepare for their many functions. Don was a pillar of the company and is often most recognized for his driving of the 1926 Seagrave Fire Truck in the parades.

Don was also a member of the American Legion Cook Taylor Post #111, as well as the B.P.O.E. #1971 and an Associate member of Pioneer Engine Company. Don was also a past member of the Knights of Columbus of St. Mary's & St. Andrew's Church and past Democratic Committee member of the Town of Wawarsing.

Don was proud to be from Napanoch and even prouder to be an American. Don served in the Navy aboard the U.S.S Missouri in World War II. Don was present during the surrender of the Japanese Emperial Navy aboard the U.S.S. Missouri on September 2, 1945.

Don is survived by his six children: sons: Robert of Napanoch, NY, Henry and his wife, Geryl-Jo of Lisbon, NY, Donald of Albany, NY, Edward and his wife, Cindy of Napanoch, NY; daughters, Lillian and her husband, Melvin Lockwood of Lady Lake, FL and Anne and her husband, Bruce Avery of Napanoch, NY. Don also leaves behind eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren: Scott and his wife, Stephanie Wilhelm and their four daughters: Abigail, Megan, Keely and Jocelyn of Lisbon, NY, Donald A. and his wife, Angela Wilhelm and their son, Zander of Massena, NY, Jennifer Wilhelm of Napanoch, NY, Amber Wilhelm of Kerhonkson, NY, Crystal Wilhelm of Napanoch, NY, Joshua Avery of Napanoch, NY, Rebecca Avery of Napanoch, NY and Matthew Wilhelm of Napanoch, NY; his brother, Robert Wilhelm of Napanoch; sisters, Susy Rysan of Ocala, FL and Dorothy Wenig of Napanoch. Don is predeceased by his sister, Mildred Wilhelm, brothers: Edward Wilhelm, Harold Wilhelm, Clarence Wilhelm and William Wilhelm.

Visiting will be held Wednesday, May 26 from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, May 27, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at Loucks Funeral Home, Ellenville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 28, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary & St. Andrew Church, Ellenville. Burial will follow in Fantinekill Cemetery, Ellenville.

Arrangements by Loucks Funeral Home, 79 N. Main St., Ellenville, NY; 845-647-4343.