Obituary of Donald J. Meaney

Donald John Meaney, 80, of Glenora, died Wednesday, September 27 after a brief illness. He leaves his beloved wife, Janet Sullivan Meaney; his step- children, Robert Fitzsimmons (Mindy), Paula Fitzsimmons (Phil Davis) , Marie Fitzsimmons( Kirk Peters) Daniel Fitzsimmons (Dorothy Elizabeth); grandchildren, Coveney, Liam, Jores, Jared, Hilary, Sophie, Connor, Colin, Rowan, William; and great grandchildren , Zade, Isidore, Loel, Janie, and Jores. Donald was predeceased by stepson, John Fitzsimmons. Don was born on April 16, 1937 to William and Augusta (Finger) Meaney and was the brother of Amelia, Robert, and Edward. (all deceased) Don served in the U.S Marine Corps from 1954 to 1956. He returned to his hometown of Perrysburg and served as a volunteer firefighter and fire chief, setting the foundation for a career devoted to fire prevention and control. Don retired from the NYS Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls in 1991. He and his co-workers developed the program that is now renown for the training of firefighters throughout the state. Don was devoted to the firefighters who were trained at the academy and was responsible for the supervision, development and management of all fire training programs. Donald was elected to the Yates County Legislature where his honest and ethical character meshed with his keen knowledge and understanding of local government and municipal needs. Donald was instrumental in the expansion of the Yates County Airport and served on the Airport Council many years after his tenure as a Legislator. He was a deeply practical man with an unwavering work ethic. Don served on the Yates County Office of the Aging Board for many years. Donald married Janie in 1980 and became the devoted stepfather of a burgeoning clan. He and Janie bought their home in Glenora and made the most generous and loving haven for their family and friends while Donald rewired and restructured the inner workings of their old and gorgeous home. He and Janie hosted four family weddings, hundreds of dinners , holidays, and boat rides. Don stood by the clan in every sadness and celebrated every joy. He drove grandkids to nursery schools and then beamed proudly at their high school and college graduations. In these retired years, Don and Janie toasted their ancestors in Ireland, cruised to Mexico and the Caribbean, snorkeling in Culebra and the Dominican Republic, drove cross this beautiful country, attended weddings in San Diego and Portland, visited the Boston Conservatory of Music, vacationed on Rehoboth Beach, and counted their many blessings. Don was the beloved patriarch of the family and on his dying bed proclaimed (in a most colorful way) that he was the luckiest man in the world. The family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care Donald received at Schuyler Hospital and Robert Packer. A donation to your local fire department would be a perfect remembrance of Donald. Calling hours will be on Thursday, October 5 from 4-7 at Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee Street, Montour Falls.