In Memoriam:
Donald R. Stiefel, 92;
Worked for D&H Railroad
ONEONTA – Donald R. Stiefel, 92, a former D&H Gang leader, passed away March 6, 2018 at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown after a brief illness.
He was born Dec. 27, 1925 in Oneonta, the son of Frederick and Mabel (Moon) Stiefel.
Don was a United States Navy veteran serving from 1944 to 1946 in the Merchant Maines Convoy duty.
He married Margaret “Peg” Jordan on Sept. 19, 1946 at the Zion Episcopal Church in Morris.
Don was employed for 44 years at the D&H Railroad, Oneonta, retiring as Gang leader.
He was a member of the St. James’ Episcopal Church, Oneonta, serving on the Vestry and was very proud of his almost perfect attendance at church. He was a past member of the board of trustees for the Oneonta Plains Cemetery. He enjoyed golfing, bowling and softball in his younger years. He looked forward to his daily coffee with family and friends at Nick’s Diner and McDonald’s.
He is survived by his children, LeRoy (Bett) Stiefel of Zephyrhills, FL, Margaret (Frank) Garwatoski of Canton, GA, Robin (Steve) Hughes of Gilbertsville, and Donna (Lee) Young of West Laurens; 7 grandchildren, Michael (Amy) Stiefel, Roy (Christine) Stiefel, Mark (Heidi) Garwatoski, Rebecca (Zach) Puckett, Sean McCoy, Kimberly McCoy, and Jason (Amanda) Young; 10 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings, Jack Stiefel, Shirley Sergeant, and Joyce Brown; many nieces, nephews, friends and special neighbors.
Don was predeceased by his wife, Peg on Feb. 5, 2015; their dog, Lucy; and 11 siblings, Fred, Ken, Gordon, Richard, Ronald, Lloyd, Norman, Robert, Daurice, Janet and Kathryn.
A requiem mass will be 11 a.m., Saturday, March 10, at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 305 Main St, Oneonta. Military honors will take place at the church, as well as placement of his cremains in the church columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Ave., Albany, NY 12208 or the Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
For online guestbook, visit, www.lhpfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted with Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.
