Donald G. Furst

Donald G. Furst,93, of Sherman Street, Watertown, passed away February 12, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County.

Don was born March 14, 1930 in Theresa, NY, son of Grafton and Evelyn (Keeler) Furst. He graduated from LaFargeville High School and attended Fredonia State University.

Don served in the United States Army between 1954- 1956. He played trumpet in the Ninth Division Band in Germany. He was honorably discharged. Don was a Hay, Seed and Grain Farmer for several years. He then was Head of Maintenance at LaFargeville Central School, retiring in 1996. Upon retiring from LaFargeville Central School, Don then worked as a clerk for Stratton Hardware on Washington Street for several years.

He married Joyce Loope in 1980 at the LaFargeville Methodist Church with Reverend John Dame officiating.

Don was a past Master of the Masonic Lodge in LaFargeville and a member of the Masonic Lodge in Chaumont. He was a past president of the Clayton Lions Club and a member of the American Legion Post #61. Don was a trumpet player, beginning at seven years old and played in many bands in Northern New York. Over the years many summer evenings were spent at Tin Pan Galley playing on the patio with the Little Big Band.

Don had a few things he really enjoyed. He and his wife Joyce, enjoyed several weeks for many summers at a camp on Silver Lake in the Adirondacks, he always enjoyed a “good” gin martini with a twist of lemon in the evening to relax and he enjoyed going out to dinner with his son while Joyce was working in the evenings.

Surviving besides his wife are a son Matthew G. Furst, a nephew, Jeffrey Heath, Florida, two nieces Deborah Lynn Wansha, LaFargeville, NY, Leslie McBride, Pittsford, CA., several grandnieces and grandnephews. He is predeceased by a twin sister, Doreen Heath.

A special thank you from Don’s family go to his Hospice nurses and caregivers who helped his family through his final weeks.

Calling hours will be Friday from 2-4 pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A Masonic Service will be held at 4pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at the American Legion on Sterling Street from 5-7pm.Burial will be in the spring in Grove Cemetery LaFargeville, NY.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com

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