Donald K. Fleury

Forestport - Donald K. Fleury, 75, of East River Street, formerly of Utica, and affectionately known as "Freddie", passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. A native of Utica, Donald was born on January 6, 1934, a son of Leo and Emma Horton Fleury. Donald live in Utica until moving with his family to Phelps Road in Remsen in 1948. He attended Remsen Central School and entered the U.S. Air Force in 1952. He obtained his GED while serving as an aircraft mechanic during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge in 1956, Mr. Fleury continued working in aircraft mechanics and fuel management at the former Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome until his retirement in 1989. On January 21, 1956, Don was united in marriage with Irene L. Bourdage at St. Frances DeSales Church in Utica. The couple made their home in Utica until moving to Forestport in 1989. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church in Forestport and American Legion Post #229, 409 Herkimer Road, Utica. Don always enjoyed helping others. His family extends a sincere note of thanks and appreciation to the doctors and staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center ICU. In addition to his wife, Irene, he is survived by two sons and one daughter- in-law, Donald, Jr. and Karen of Utica, and Louis L. of Forestport; one granddaughter, Stephanie Rose; and a close family friend, Ronnie Mallace of Utica. The last of four siblings, he was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and John, and by a sister, Helen Abrial, and in-laws Thomas Nolan, and Donna and Robert Bourdage. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19 at St. Patrick's Church, Forestport, where the Reverend Sean P. O'Brien will officiate. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Forestport. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Women's Club of Christ Our Hope Catholic Parish (St. Joseph's Church, Boonville, St. Patrick's Church, Forestport, and St. Mary of the Snows Church, Otter Lake) c/o 110 Charles Street, Boonville, NY 13309. Arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., Boonville, NY.