DONALD’S OBITUARY
Don was a member of the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire District for the last 70 years, where he was Lieutenant, Vice President, President and Commissioner. He was also president of the Dutchess County Association of Fire Districts. He was twice awarded “Fireman of the Year” and won the “Presidents Award” from the Salt Point Fire Company in 2001. He was also the Grand Marshall of the Pleasant Valley Weekend Parade in 2016 along with Marty Mills and Fred Albrecht, and in June of 2022 was Grand Marshall along with Marty Mills again for the 75thAnniversary Parade for the Salt Point Fire Company.
He loved sports, and when his children were young, he was a coach and an umpire for both hardball and girls softball. He played adult volleyball for many years. He was inducted into the Dutchess County Hall of Fame for “Fast Pitch” Softball and pitched a “no hitter” for a fundraiser for Murray McDermott against the Town of Poughkeepsie Allstars. He loved to watch golf and play golf, especially with his favorite partner Vinny, and scored his only “hole in one” at Sunny Hill Golf Course. He also loved to watch NASCAR racing and attended a few races at the Poconos. He loved to watch Mash on TV, and enjoy his favorite soda and any chocolate treat especially chocolate cake with white icing. He participated in Relay for Life for over 15 years. He was in the inaugural group of Ambassadors on the Walkway over the Hudson and was the first volunteer honored at Starry Starry Night in 2018 as a Great Connector. He was also Santa on the Walkway for the last 10 years. He loved the walkway and all the friends he met there and would promote it’s beauty wherever he went. He participated in the Honor Flight Mission 11 from Stewart Airport on April 2, 2016, and said it was the best experience he ever had and was so grateful to have had the opportunity. He was currently an assistant greeter, bike jockey and candy tester at The Pleasant Valley Bike Shop.
He is survived by his children: Donald R Cady, Jr (Karen), Kelly Shaffer (Joe), Jeffrey Cady (Jean) and Matthew Cady (Wendy); his grandchildren: Jeremiah Shaffer (Chauntel), Alyssa Shaffer (Jimmie), Marissa McLain, Emily and Michael Cady, Rhonda and Eric Cady, Kelly, Shawna and Trinity Lattin, and fifteen great grandchildren; his sister Carol Ann McKenna and many special nieces and nephews and their families and his beloved Fisher family in Lancaster County. He was predeceased by his siblings: Theresa Decker, Alma Freer, George “Mike” Cady, Jean Mann, and Gordon Cady Sr. Don’s family would like to thank everyone who touched his life and is overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support. Don would be proud and his family would love it if you would live each day as he did, trying to make one new friend or help one new person.
Calling Hours are Friday, August 5, from 4-8pm at 1605 Main Street, Pleasant Valley NY 12569. The Pleasant Valley Fire District will hold a Firematic Service at 6:45pm. Graveside services will be held at 10am on Saturday August 6, at Friends Upton Lake Cemetery, 2565 Salt Point Turnpike, Clinton Corners, NY 12514. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to: Salt Point Fire Company: PO Box 152, Salt Point, NY 12578, Phone: (845) 266-5177 or Hudson Valley Honor Flight: P.O. Box 375, Walden, NY 12586, info@hvhonorflight.com, 845-391-0076
