Donald T. Witchley, Jr.

Mr. Donald T. Witchley, Jr., age 39, of New Hartford, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 27, 2008 at his home as the result of an aortic aneurysm. Born in Utica on November 25, 1968, Donnie is the son of Nancy (Fuller) Witchley and the late Donald T. Witchley, Sr. He was raised and educated in Frankfort and was a 1986 graduate of Frankfort Schuyler Central High School. He continued his education at Utica College where he earned a degree in Graphic Design & Fine Arts. On August 20, 1994 he married the former Celeste M. Bossone and to this 13 year relationship came the blessing of 3 cherished children. Donnie was the owner of Landworks Landscaping Company. Talented, creative, and with an eye for aesthetic detail, he was a perfectionist in his work. Motivated and energetic, he integrated his college training and his innate artistic ability which was evidenced in so many ways in his life, his work and his home. Light-spirited and sociable, he was the life of the party. He had a gourmet taste for food and could be considered a connoisseur of local specialties. He also had an appreciation of the outdoors and an affinity for the Adirondacks where he patronized the Wigwam and Daiker’s Inn. Locally, he was first in line at Saranac Thursday, and looked forward to Tuesday night poker at Valley View with his buddies. He also had a passion for fishing, jet-skiing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, and a zeal for automobiles, which he enjoyed with his father and brother, and most recently with his son “D”, affirmed by the recent acquirement of his Mustang “race car”. As a sports enthusiast, he supported Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Notre Dame “Fighting Irish”. But above all else, Donnie loved being a dad, which was the greatest accomplishment of his life, and he was so proud of his children and spent countless hours playing catch with them. He was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Donnie is survived by his wife, Celeste; his daughters, Danielle Witchley, and Jessica Witchley; his son, Donald T. “D” Witchley III; his mother, Nancy Witchley of Frankfort; his brother and sister-in-law, David R. and Kimberly (Viti) Witchley of Whitesboro; his mother-in-law, Lillian Bossone; his in-laws, Anthony and Mary Bossone of Palm Harbor, FL, Linda O’Connor and Wink Doolittle of Kayuta Lake, Laurie Bossone, Carmen Jr. and Gina Bossone, all of Utica, and Carleen and Michael Jany of Chicago; his nieces and nephews, Tony and Amy Bossone, David and Dana Bossone, John O’Connor III, Carmen Bossone III, Samantha Bossone, and Michael Jany; his great-nephew, Anthony Bossone III; and his many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins. Donnie had a great number of people he called his friends, but closest to his heart was the fellowship he shared with Dan DeLuke, Frank Scarchilli, Jim Scarchilli, Torre Viti, Paul Monescalchi, Rocky Zammiello, Anthony Monescalchi, Chris Pelli, Tony Esposito, Jimmy Caiola, Frank Caiola, Mike Entwistle, and John Randazzo. He was predeceased by his grandparents; his father-in-law, Carmen A. Bossone, Sr.; and his cousin, Tommy Petronio, with whom he shared a special friendship. The family extends sincere thanks to Mark and Karen Steckler, neighbors and friends who rendered such comfort to Donnie’s family during his untimely passing. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Donnie's honor to the family, enabling them to establish a scholarship fund for his children; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Donnie’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Donald T. Witchley, Jr.

November 25, 1968 - June 27, 2008