So sorry to hear of Don's passing. During the years I worked at OFPC in Albany (1979-1987) I discovered he was a very insightful and sensitive person. I wish we had been able to work together more. At the OFPC retiree event in Kingston in May, 2015, Vicky and I had a wonderful time with him and Joyce.

Extend my heartfelt sympathy to Janie and family. Don was someone to admire and respect and I appreciated his counsel and friendship on public safety matters. RIP Don.

I was saddened to hear about Don's passing. I worked at the academy with Don and as far as I am concerned, he was a great person. Always willing to do what he could do to help. We had many conversations about the office and always had a joke or a funny story to tell. When he retired from state service, he would stop down once in a while and we would talk about the good old days when he was there. All that knew him have many memories of his time with us. What a great guy. Donald it was a pleasure to know you my friend. Take care family members. Don, I am sure, is watching over you.

I am at lose for words. We will miss Don and his humor and his loyalty to all his friends . He was a great guy that could make you laugh , and always make you feel loved . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all .

My condolences and love to the Fitzsimmons family.

Dear Janie and Fitzsimmons clan - Our deepest sympathies from the west coast. We'll miss Don tremendously. Don's unflappable patience with our teenage years is something I continue to aspire too with my own boys:) The decades of summers that followed, sitting and chatting on the porch or the shade of a good tree on the beach with Don are memories I'll always cherish. Godspeed Don and much love Janie.

Mike, June, Milo and Wyatt Honsberger Encinitas, California

Dear Family and Friends -

I loved a few of the things that made our Don special in the world. He was absolutely courteous and dignified in his public political work. He was a gun enthusiast and a lifelong member of the NRA, and was also a distinctively progressive Democrat. He advocated for civil rights and believed in a strong government that looked after people.

I admired him for building respect among Republicans to the extent that he managed for a time to be the only Democratic legislator among 14 in Yates County. I loved his company and his enthusiasm as he stood with us in the frigid Washington, DC January cold for Inaugurations.

He was raw and ribald for our outings and travel and enjoyed a beer and a plate of oysters as much as any person I have known. Phil, Kirk, Danny, Mike Oates and I enjoyed many a gentlemen's luncheon with him. He was a quick draw on the check and a good tipper.

Most of all, he adored our mother and us and all our kids and grandkids and made sure we knew it. He let us know at every gathering that we were the best thing that ever happened to him. Thanks for everything, Don. Love to all, Bobby

Sorry for the loss of a special man.

I feel very lucky that I had the opportunity to have known and worked with, Don. He was the backbone of the Fire Academy.

I am so sorry for your loss. Don was a true and honest person. I enjoyed working with him and will always remember the laughs and good times. May God grant him eternal peace.