Donald Franklin Ellington

Donald served four years in the Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1959. Years later he served with the local Civil Air Patrol in Western New York. His employment history included work as a Union Carpenter, a position in plant maintenance at the former Red Wing, Fredonia, and an over-the-road truck driver for Niagara Therapy. For several years, he was self-employed in the real property management and maintenance.

Donald’s interest’s were diverse. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Music was part of his daily routine, whether listening to country music as he drove across the country or enjoying calssical selections from WNED, which he often chose while working in his garage. He sang for years in the church choirs of the Silver Creek First United Church and then the Fredonia First Methodist Church. Donald was a member of the Dunkirk Yacht Club, enjoying Lake Erie, and the Erie Canal in his 1964 wooden Chris Craft. He was a proud 61-year member of Forest Lodge #166, F&AM in Fredonia.

Donald and Sue had the opportunity to enjoy years of travel at home and abroad. The travelers visited most of our continental states, taking advantage of national and state parks as available. They also enjoyed visiting western Europe, especially to renew friendships with several friends in Austria, and the Czech Republic. The major culture shock was a trip to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, a delightful experience with different foods, geography, languages, etc. A special treat was exploring North, Central and South America, including a myriad of adventures from Alaska to Patagonia.

Survivors include his loving companion Sue M. Evans of Fredonia; three sons Jeffrey (Melanie) Ellington, of Angola, Mark (Meghan) Ellington, of Derby, Donald John (Tanya) Ellington, of Greensboro, NC. Also surviving are grandchildren Megan Ellington, Nicholas Ellington and Everett Ellington along with several nieces. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his sister Jean Swiney.

The family wishes to note the generous, attentive care from the staff of Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and especially from his loyal friend, John Parkes.

There will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled later. The family suggests memorials may be made to the Silver Creek First United Presbyterian Church, 35 Park Place, Silver Creek, NY 14136 or the Fredonia First Methodist Church, 25 Church St., Fredonia, NY 14063.

Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.