Donald Glenn Seely

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Donald Glenn Seely, the son of Donald and Muriel Cuzner Seely, on October 31, 2024. Donald was a twice-widowed highly decorated Army veteran, respected father, beloved grandfather, great-grandfather, and lifelong patriot. Born on June 26, 1939, in Oneida, New York, Donald's life was characterized by his unyielding commitment to service, his family, and his country.

Donald grew up in Oneida, New York, where he attended Oneida High School. There, he quickly made his mark as an agile and talented wrestler, earning his athletic letter, and graduating in 1957. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Donald enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served a commendable three-year tour. While proud of his contributions there, he targeted a new trajectory: enlisting in the United States Army, where he discovered his true calling and spent the rest of his distinguished career.

Donald's Army career opened doors to groundbreaking work in computer programming, data processing, logistics, and analysis. His service took him around the globe, with assignments in Greenland, Germany, Thailand, Washington, D.C., and across the United States, including Texas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, where he served as a platoon sergeant with the famed 101st Airborne Division. Donald cherished this role, which combined leadership, innovation, and camaraderie, which he deeply valued.

During his early military career, he started a family with his first wife, Mary. Together, they raised two children, Mark and Penny, whom Donald held dear as he dedicated his life to their well-being and guidance. In his later career, Donald returned to his hometown of Oneida, New York, to serve as a recruiter and career counselor, sharing his knowledge and passion with young recruits. His final tour of duty took him to Fort Monroe, Virginia, where he worked at the Army's esteemed Training Command until his retirement in 1980. Over the years, Donald was awarded numerous military honors, including the Joint Commendation Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal with five awards, and National Defense Service Medal, testaments to his dedication and exemplary service.

Following his Military retirement, Donald continued to support the Army as a traveling consultant, lending his expertise to developing, implementing, and maintaining inventory and accounting systems. In his personal life, he found joy in golf, bowling, travel, and sharing laughter with family and friends.

In 2002, Donald was sadly predeceased by Mary, his beloved wife of over 40 years. After Mary's passing, he remarried and found joy in companionship again until Judy's passing in 2023. Donald's legacy of love and resilience lives on in those he now leaves behind including his sister, Bonnie Walter; his son, Mark Seely; his daughter, Penny DeCourcy; three cherished granddaughters, and three adored great-grandchildren.

Donald will be remembered for his strength, wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those he served and loved. His legacy lives on in the hearts of family, friends, and comrades, who honor his memory with respect and admiration.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home - Hopewell Chapel. A funeral will take place the following day, Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.