Obituary of Donald Britton

WESTERLO - Donald "Don" Britton, 82, was called home to be with the Lord after losing his battle with the COVID-19 virus on Saturday, January 23rd, 2021 at St. Peter's Hospital. He was born on April 22, 1938 in Albany to the late Frank E. and Dorothy (Irish) Britton. A lifelong resident of Westerlo, he had recently been a resident of the Atria Shaker Assisted Living facility in Albany. Don was a graduate of Greenville Central School Class of 1957, of Mohawk Valley Technical Institute (now Mohawk Valley Community College) earning an AAS in Advertising Design and Production in 1959, and of SUNY New Paltz earning a BS in Education in 1962. He had worked as an art teacher in the Oneida School District and at the Greenville Central School District, taught ceramics and had his own ceramics business for several years, and retired from the Town of Westerlo as a clerk in 2000. Don was a member of the Westerlo Historical Society, a past member of the Grange in Westerlo, a current member of the South Berne Congregational Christian Church, a past member of the South Westerlo Congregational Christian Church, a member of the Christian Singles, and a board member of the Westerlo Central Cemetery. Don loved studying local history and tracing his family's genealogy. When he was younger he enjoyed planning and taking trips with the local Christian Singles group where he made many friends. Throughout his life he also enjoyed attending church and Bible studies, going to the various local county fairs and taking nature walks. Don is survived by his niece Elaine Nevins, her husband Thomas, their son Steven, and several cousins and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Raymond and his wife Jean; his infant sister, Elaine; and by his dear friend of over 24 years Edith (Edie) N. MacIntosh. A devout Christian, Don wrote the following after the passing of his mother, but it reflects his beliefs as well: “She looked forward to a reunion with loved ones who have gone before, including her little daughter, Elaine, whom she lost in 1942. We all need to remember the simple truths, that this is not the end of her life, but a transition, a graduation, a continuation. And that she still lives, only in a far better place and we shall see her again over there if we trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Sept. 4, 1987. A special thanks to the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff at St. Peter's Hospital who risked their own health and safety while caring for Don, and to the friendly and helpful staff at the Atria Shaker Assisted Living Facility. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the South Berne Congregational Christian Church, 101 Church Rd., Berne, NY 12023 or to the South Westerlo Congregational Christian Church, 282 CR 405, Greenville, NY 12083 or to the Westerlo Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 87, Westerlo, NY 12193. Graveside service in the spring will take place at the Westerlo Central Cemetery. Condolences can be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.