Donald C. Wilson

Donald C. Wilson, 74, of 429 Sykes Rd., Canton and Haines City, FL died June 7, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, NY due to complications following open heart surgery.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 9:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Canton with Rev. Douglas J. Lucia, celebrating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Canton.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 9 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Mary’s School, 2 Powers St.; Canton, NY 13617.

Don was born in Canton on November 20, 1942, the son of the late Ivan and Helen (Woods) Wilson. He attended Hermon-DeKalb Central and entered the US Navy on January 12, 1960. He participated in the Cuban Missile Blockade while aboard the USS Randolph. On April 15, 1962, Donald married Judy Burke at St. Mary’s Church in Canton with Rev. J. Albert O’Brien, officiating. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in November 1963.

Following discharge from the Navy, he worked for Murphy’s Bottled Gas, then enrolled in vocational school. After graduation, he worked for Robinson’s Farm Equipment. In July 1970, he and his wife Judy, started Wilson’s Gas Sales and Service. They sold the business in August 1983. In 1972, he became a school bus driver for Canton Central, retiring in October 2002 after 30 years of service. After retirement, he and Judy spent winters at their home in Haines City, FL.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Judy of Canton and Haines City, FL, four daughters, Sandy and her husband Bob Santamoor, Trudy and her husband George Bishop, Cindi and her husband Dan Willmart and Kelly Wilson, all of Canton. Also surviving are four grandsons, Donnie (Brooke), Rob (Jason), and Jon (Kylie) Santamoor and Daniel Willmart, two granddaughters, Cianna (Taylor) Willmart and Marra Wilson; one brothers, Bob and Valorie Wilson of DeKalb Junction and one sister, Betty and Jack Gengler of Las Vegas, NV.

Two brothers, James and Edward predecease him.

Don enjoyed his time with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time at his camp in Clare, hunting, fishing, boating and woodworking.

Don was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church where he was a past member of the Parish Council, Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the cemetery association. He was also a member and officer of the Knights of Columbus, member of the Canton VFW, and the Teamsters Local 687 where he was Union Steward for over 20 years and a Trustee of the Executive Board. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with Donald’s family by visiting www.olearyfuneralservice.com. 

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