Donald Raymond Mekeel

DONALD R. MEKEEL

BRASHER FALLS – Mr. Donald Raymond Mekeel, 74, of 1385 State Highway 11C, peacefully passed away Saturday morning at his home.

Donald was born October 31, 1942 in Queens, New York, the son of the late Roy E. and Elizabeth Wilhelm Mekeel. He graduated from Carey High School in Franklin Square, NY and later from Farmingdale University and in 1997 he graduated from Columbia University with his BA Degree. Donald served his country during the Vietnam Conflict as a SeaBee in the US Navy. After his honorably discharge, he enlisted in the US Air National Guard serving for over 20 years.

Donald worked as a sheetmetal worker in the New York City area before starting with the NYS Department of Highway. He later working as a civil engineer for the Department of Military and Naval Affairs, based at Hancock Field in Syracuse. Don also was a supply teacher for school in Malone, St. Lawrence Central, and Salmon River. Don was an active communicant of the St. Patrick’s and St. Lawrence Churches, where he was involved in music ministry, an instructor for the RCIC program, and a eucharistic minister. He was a member of the 3rd Order of Fransicians and had a fondness for St. Kateri Tekakwitha. He served as Board of Director for the Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine in Fonda, New York and was a member of the Kateri Circle. He also was active in his community as a member of the VFW, Knights of Columbus – once serving as Grand Knight, the American Legion, and the Franklin-Munson Volunteer Fire Department while he was living in Franklin Square.

Don also had a great fondness for music and was involved with the the Tri-Town Singers singing at local Senior Citizens Clubs. He truly enjoyed fly-fishing, cooking, spending time with his grandchildren, and following local sports, especially his niece and nephews lacrosse games. He was an avid NY Yankees and NY Giants fan.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Julia L. (King), whom he married in 1998; his children, Donald Joseph and Katherine Mekeel of Canandaigua; Kerry Mekeel of Maui, Hawaii; Melissa Mekeel of New Orleans, Louisiana; his step son, Lorne McLean of Brasher Falls; his beloved grandchildren, Cheyenne, Madeline, Connor, and Keegan; his sister, Barbara Mekeel of Wantagh, New York; his brother, Kenneth Mekeel and his wife, Carolyn Gray-Mekeel of East Meadow, New York; his nieces and nephews, Keith, Richard, Lauren, and Leigh.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Richard Mekeel.

Friends may call at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday 11:00 AM at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, North Lawrence with Rev. Garry B. Giroux, celebrating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Brasher in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to National St. Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine, PO Box 627, Fonda, New York 12068 or at www.katerishrine.com.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.donaldsonfh.com.