Donald R. VanCleef, Sr.

Donald R. VanCleef, Sr., 79, lifelong resident of Seneca Falls, passed away at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Monday, December 23rd, 2024. A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, at 1:00pm at the Kirk Casey American Legion Post 366 in Seneca Falls. He will find final rest in Restvale Cemetery, with his son, Donnie, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory may be directed to Camp Good Days at campgooddays.org.

Don was born in Seneca Falls, son of the late Charles and Anna (Dunham) VanCleef. He had worked for the village of Seneca Falls DPW for many years before retiring and enjoying the life he had built. He was always involved with his son’s activities and sporting events growing up, and later the same with his grandkids and their activities. Don was an avid bicyclist who rode his bike all over town. One of his frequent destinations in town was the Circle K, where he would gather with his friends to discuss the matters of the world. He also enjoyed his trips to Kinney Drugs where he enjoyed conversing with the employees there. Don enjoyed taking bus trips to Atlantic City and many other casinos. He was always hoping to hit the big one! He was a member of both the American Legion and VFW in Waterloo and Seneca Falls and was also an avid Cleveland Browns fan.

Don is survived by his grandchildren, Kayli (Jamie) Murphy and Anthony (Amanda) VanCleef; great grandchildren, Jace, Khloe, Blake, AJ, Hadley; daughter-in-law, Lori (Roger) VanCleef Bush; lifelong companion, Alta Carlson; three sisters; many nieces and nephews and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, (Donald) Donnie Jr.; granddaughter, Gia Murphy; brothers, Robert and Charles VanCleef; sisters, Beverly Soscia, Margaret Soscia, and Jeanie VanCleef; nephew, Dennis Zwick and his son, Dennis Jr., and stepfather, Raymond Ricketts.

Don’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to Kevin (Brenda) Flynn, who has been like a son to Don, and Dorothy (Mike) Comerford and Rhonda (Hal) Maher for their exceptional care and presence in Don’s life.