Obituary of Donald F. Newland

Donald F. Newland, 90, of Amsterdam, NY, has gone to his eternal rest on Tuesday, March 28th, 2017. Born on November 14th, 1926 in Amsterdam, NY, he was the son of the late Thelma Little and Walter Newland. Donald attended local schools and bravely enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1945 to proudly serve our county during WW II. After returning home from service Donald worked as an independent construction worker for many years locally and in Florida. Donald was a former member of the Country Cousins Seniors Club, the Horace J. Inman Senior Center, and the Cranesville Church Men's Fellowship. Donald was a former volunteer for GAVAC, he was not only a member of the Cranesville Fire Department, but was the charter's last surviving original founders when it was established in 1949. In additions to his continued service to his community Donald also played for various bowling teams. He loved to be outdoors gardening and took great care and pride in his upkeep of the exterior of the home. Donald loved to travel and was a very sociable person with a fun personality who loved life. Donald is survived by his daughter Judy Newland; his sons, David (Tina) Newland and Richard (Lisa) Newland; his step-daughters, Cheryl Somerville and Pat Weisbrodt; his step-son Michael Szwarnowicz; his grandchildren, Lacie Newland and Matthew Newland; as well as his close friend Irene Kowalik. Many more loving step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. Donald is predeceased by his parents Thelma and Walter Newland; and his brothers, Walter "Sonny" Newland and Robert Newland. A Memorial Service for Donald will be held on Sunday April 2nd, 2017 at 4pm at Betz, Rossi, & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010. The family will receive relatives and friends from 2-4pm on Sunday prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Mannys Corner Road, Amsterdam, NY 12010, Cranesville Fire Department, 167 Riverview Drive, Amsterdam, NY 12010, or James A. Brennan Humane Society, 437 9 Mile Tree Rd, Gloversville, NY 12078. Those wishing to express their condolences to the family may do so by signing our online Memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com.