Obituary of Donald W. Wilson

Donald W. Wilson, Sidney, NY, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, March 14th. He was reunited with the love of his life, Lois B. Wilson (Miller). Donald was predeceased by his parents, Warren Wilson and Angie Wilson (Lockwood), his brother Clifford (wife Phyllis), his sister Eileen Latta (husband John), his sister Barbara Wilson, and his brother Dick Wilson. Don loved his family dearly, leaving behind his four children: Amy Farrell (Michael), Craig Wilson (Brenda), Eric Wilson (Marcia), and Heather Coleman (Daniel), as well as his grandchildren: Matthew Farrell (Katie), Adam Farrell (Lara), Erica Harb (Ramsey), Jessica Coay (JD), Austin Wilson (Marissa), Tara Race (Adrian), Spencer Wilson (Kat), Onilee Wilson, Kevin Coleman, Meghann Coleman, Ryan Coleman (Adriel), Kaitlin Coleman, Connor Coleman, AJ Coleman, Jack Coleman, and Justin Coleman. His great-grandchildren include: (Matthew's) Bradley, Ronan, and Nolan; (Erica's) Mikey, Andrew, Thomas, Dave, and Alex; (Jessica's) Jane, Jack, and Juliette; (Austin's) Willow; (Tara's) Onyx, Ozzie, and a new baby (Zoey) on the way. In his younger days, Donald worked for over 40 years at Bendix as a tool designer. Don was an avid tennis player throughout his life. Even in his "midlife" years, he could still compete with many of the younger players in the area. He especially enjoyed playing with Tom Mirabito, Sr., John VanCott, Henry Egli, Bob Smith, and Jim Leonard. Don also enjoyed golf, though that game often involved the divots going farther than the ball. He could also be found cross-country skiing and hiking with friends, showing off his newest walking stick on the trails of Delaware and Chenango counties. Don's greatest passion was spending time with the people he loved and staying active outdoors. He loved books and reading, particularly "how-to" books before he lost his sight. He is fondly remembered by his grandchildren for correcting grammar, bad behavior, and outdoor hose-off stories (also known as "Grandpa boot camp"). Grandpa Wilson left behind many amusing adventures to reminisce about. He loved to laugh and sing the oldies (loudly). He had a talent for using "one-liners" to get a rise out of people, a phenomenon we called the "wow factor." He also took amazing care of his loved ones through extended illnesses (Lois, Lorraine, and his sister Eileen) and gave all he had to others in times of need. He would leave his keys in the car in case someone needed it, even when parked on Main Street in Sidney. Donald and his sister Eileen had a $5 bet on who would live to a longer age. Eileen (92 years and 4 months) won that bet, but Don (one week shy of 92) was the last man standing in his family. Donald was a man of faith and a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church in Unadilla, where he attended with his loving fiancée, Lorraine Angellotti, before she lost her battle to cancer. His family will be holding a celebration of life service this summer, where he will be buried in the Sidney Cemetery with his wife, Lois B. Wilson (Miller), and the rest of his family.