Donald K. Stillwaggon, a lifelong Town of Newburgh resident, entered into rest on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. He was 100.
Son of the late David A. and Mabel (Krum) Stillwaggon, he was born on November 9, 1921 at their home in Newburgh, NY.
“Don” as he was known to all was the retired owner of Stillwaggon’s Printery, Newburgh, where he worked with his wife and continued to work until the age of 89. He volunteered and proudly served his country in WWII in the Army Air Corps, and after the war served in the US Air Force Reserves, serving in Korea and Vietnam also. He retired from the reserves as Master Sargent. He was a member of The Town of Newburgh American Legion Post 1420 for over 75 years, an 81 year life member of the Cronomer Valley Fire Department, where he served as Assistant Chief from 1946 to 1952, and was Cronomer Valley Fire District Treasurer from 1953 to 1974. He also served as a Fire Fighter and Fire Police for many years where he was one of the "Dirty Dozen". He was also a Life member of the Hudson Valley Firemen’s Association, the Orange County Fire Police Association and the NYS Volunteer Fire Police Association and a member of the Orange County Volunteer Fireman’s Association.
In honor of Don’s 100th birthday and his years of service for the Town of Newburgh, the Cronomer Valley Fire Department paid a visit to his home complete with fire apparatus and the company’s vintage 1949 Mack Pumper. They treated him to a ride in it as he was the first one to drive it many years ago when it went into service. Words could not describe the joy and gratitude conveyed by Don and his family for this. He was a member of the Bethlehem Rod and Gun Club, attended the Leptondale Bible Church for many years, and was a member of the Newburgh Yacht Club. As Don said many times "The Lord has blessed me and watched over me my entire life." He passed away on his wife Jeannette's birthday full of years.
He is survived by several nieces and nephews and many great and great great nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Jeannette (Mackey) Stillwaggon in 2015; his siblings Elbert, Ruth (Beck), his twin brother Douglas and Carl Stillwaggon.
Memorial Visitation will take place 4 to 7 pm on Friday, March 11, at Leptondale Bible Church, 1771 Route 300, Newburgh with a Firematic Service at 6:45 pm.
A Memorial Service will take place following Visitation at 7 pm with Pastor Michael O’Dowd officiating.
Plans for burial with Military Honors at the Orange County Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be announced for this Spring.
Donations in Don’s memory can be made to either Leptondale Bible Church, 1771 Route 300, Newburgh, NY 12550, Cronomer Valley Fire Department or Gideons International at www.gideons.org.
Arrangements are under the care of White, Venuto and Morrill Funeral and Cremation Service, Newburgh.