Obituary of Donald Joseph Averill

Donald J. Averill Donald J. Averill passed from this earth to meet his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 3, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Averill was born on December 29, 1931, in Buffalo, N. Y. He is survived by his wife, Carole, and his sons and daughters Timothy (Johanna) of Mandeville, LA; Patricia Triffo of Fayetteville, N.Y.; Terence (Dirk Geratz) of Annapolis, MD; Donna Sullivan (Norm) of Greensboro, N.C.; Diane Ottley of Fort Mill, S.C.; Thomas (Cathy) of Saugerties, N.Y.; Christopher (Judy) of Moseley, VA; and Martin of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by three stepchildren: Michael Hoffman (Amanda), Stefanie Hoffman, and Sharon Hoffman. In addition to his children and stepchildren, he is survived by his sister, Jane Labelle, and by 23 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, three step grandchildren, two step great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Marjorie: an infant daughter, Ann; father, Frank P. Averill, mother, Marguerite E. Averill, brothers Richard, Robert, and William Averill; and sister, Virginia Baty. Mr. Averill was an educator, serving 13 years as a teacher and 18 years as an administrator. He retired from Dundee Central School in 1986. Subsequent to his retirement, he provided services to BOCES, school districts, and the New York State Education Department. He received a Master's Degree in History and Education from Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y., and certification in administration from SUNY Geneseo. Mr. Averill was active in the Catholic communities in which he lived, serving on parish councils and as a eucharistic minister and lector for 30 years. He is a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus in Geneva, New York. Mr. Averill served in the army during the Korean War from 1954-1956 and is a member of the American Legion. An active sports enthusiast, Mr. Averill spent his early years in baseball and later in bowling and golf. He refereed high school basketball and coached a number of high school sports teams, as well as high school debating teams. During his lengthy work life, Mr. Averill was a member of numerous labor organizations, including the Grocery Workers, the Railroad Brotherhood, the Transit Workers Union, and the Auto Workers Union. Visitation will occur on Friday, March 15 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Baird Funeral Home in Dundee, N.Y. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 16, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Church in Penn Yan, N.Y., followed by burial at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Watkins Glen, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Diocese of Nakuru with St. John's Small Home in the memo, c/o Reverend Stephen Ogaro, Roman Catholic Diocese of Nakuru Mission Office, Inc., 406 Spencer St. Canastota, NY, 13032-1137; cdnmission@yahoo.com Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.