Obituary of Donald J. Howland

Donald J Howland, Sr; 86, of Gloversville, New York, passed away quietly on July 27^th, 2023, surrounded by family.

Don was born to Frank and Kathryn on April 7, 1937, in Halfmoon, New York.

Don played soccer and graduated from Shenendehowa High School in 1955. Following graduation Don proudly joined the US Navy, serving actively for a year followed by several years in the Naval Reserves.

Don had a passion for speed and motorsports and was able to make a career doing what he loved.  He started out as the service manager for Colonie Motors Langan Porsche Audi before starting his own businesses, Country Wheels in Amsterdam and Smith’s Collision in Sloansville. 

Don had no trouble living life to its fullest.  He enjoyed skiing, motorcycles, go-kart racing, camping, gardening and telling great stories.

Don is survived by his loving partner and best friend, Linda Anderson, Sammy his beloved dog, and his children, Donald Jr. (Tara), Patrick, and Timothy. He is also survived by his adopted children Kelley (Kirk), and Patrick (Kathy) & John (Barbara) Mcenany; as well as grandchildren Alexandra, Katheryn, and their mother Patricia, Johna, Timothy Jr., Anna, Ian, and Sierra.  In addition, Don’s extended family includes nieces and nephews and long-time friends Dave and Maureen Heacock, Kip Whitehouse, Pete Kissinger and Sylvia Zielinski.

Don enjoyed keeping busy and loved building and restoring anything with an engine. His basement was filled with a working model train village that he was very proud of.  He was a collector of John Deere memorabilia and was a member of the local model airplane club, Lazy 8 R/C Flying Field.  He will be missed by so many – We love you, Don.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 4 pm Friday, August 4^th at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 31 E. Fulton St; Gloversville, where a Memorial Service will follow at 4 pm with Pastor Ralph Merante officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave; Gloversville, or to the Gloversville Public Library, 58 E. Fulton St; Gloversville.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, Gloversville. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com