Obituary of Donald R. Mackey

Donald R. Mackey, 88, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 27, 2023 at his home in Johnstown, NY.  He was born May 22, 1935 in Albany, the son of the late Reubin and Ann (Kiernan) Mackey. 

He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958.  He graduated from Gloversville High School and received a Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Oneonta.  After college, Don became a 3rd grade teacher at Wheelerville Elementary School in Caroga Lake and later went on to own three local book stores in both Gloversville and Johnstown.  He worked for many years as a sales representative for Chilton/Mitchell Book Company and ended his career selling real estate for Sir William Johnson Realty in Johnstown.  Don was a coach for many years for both baseball and basketball and coached many young athletes from the area throughout those years.  He was the Physical and Cardiovascular Director at both the Fulton and Schenectady YMCA’s.  Don was a member of the YMCA for over 70 years, but was a current member of Fit Happens in Gloversville.  He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and enjoyed reading, physical fitness and taking care of his daughter's dog, Mya, who he loved dearly.

Donald is survived by two children, Melissa Catania of Gloversville and Michael Mackey of Gloversville; four grandchildren, Morgan Catania of San Francisco, CA, Adriana Plesniewicz Osborne (Zach) of Arvada, CO, Troy Mackey of Arvada, CO and Jantzen Mackey of Longmont, CO; two great grandchildren, Kenna Plesniewicz and Jayce Mackey; and the mother of Don’s children Virginia Mackey Reppenhagen. 

Private Interment will take place at Gerald BH Solomon National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.  Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to St. John’s Episcopal Church located at 1 N. Market St., Johnstown, NY for their community programs to help local residents in need.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, Gloversville.  Online condolences to the family may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com.

       

 

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