Obituary
Donald F. House Sr. 1929 – 2022
Penn Yan NY – Donald, age 92, died peacefully on June 26, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Don was born in Avon NY, the eldest child of the late Clarence and J. Fredericka House. He met and married the love of his life, Donna Irwin House in 1954.
Don was dedicated to his faith, his family, his friends and the education and guidance of young people. He was a farmer at heart spending much of his life in the cattle industry.
Donald served in the army stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and later earned his certification in Counseling from SUNY Brockport.
Donald spent most of his career as a teacher of farm management and as a guidance counselor at B.O.C.E.S in Stanley NY. He stayed involved in agriculture business also working to improve both dairy and beef cattle through genetic analysis. He had a lifelong interest in animal husbandry raising and showing birds, fish, rabbits, dogs, Shetland ponies and beef cattle. Don also served his community as a Yates County legislator for many years.
Don was a leader at the Gorham United Methodist church, serving in many roles over the years He was active with the Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis programs. His strong voice will be remembered through hymns as he sang in the choir and from the pew.
One of Don’s most often used phrases is “There is nothing more important than family.” Don and Donna worked together to raise their family with that focus. It is evident in their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The love and memories of their dedication will carry the family through this difficult time. Don also became a “second father” or “father figure” to several others who were also blessed by his loving care and guidance.
Donald was a mentor to youth throughout his life. He was a 4-H Extension Agent. He coached football and lead the church youth group. It was common for neighborhood kids to show up to play cards or just visit with him. Nephews were treated as sons when they needed him. He provided card holders when his grandchildren’s hands were too little for the family games.
Donald was predeceased by his infant son Daniel, his parents and his sister Shirley Spencer.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Donna; children Donald (Kathleen) House Jr, Debora (Brian) Minor, Darcy (Douglas) Young, Deanne (John) Coad; grandchildren Carrie (Joseph) D’Attilio, Paul (Maui Cape) House, Douglas (Renée) Young Jr., Blaine Minor, Carley (Jeremy) Vance, Brianne (Arthur) Kirk, Brendan Minor, Jordyn Coad, John Samuel (Nicole Miller) Coad; great-grandchildren Daniel and Samuel D’Attilio, Ace, Griffin and Piper Kirk, Alden and Oliver Vance and Taylor Young.
He is also survived by siblings Roger House, Joan Irwin, Richard House, Robert House, Sally Engle, loving in-laws, several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Arrangements are managed by Kenneth J. Perkins Funeral Home in Gorham NY. Friends may call from 4-7 at the funeral home on Thursday June 30th. A memorial service will be held at the Gorham United Methodist Church at 11 AM on July 1st. Interment will be in Groveland, NY at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Gorham United Methodist Church General Fund, P.O. Box 225, Gorham, NY 14461.
Please visit www.kenperkinsfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to the House family.
Services
Calling Hours
Kenneth J. Perkins Funeral Home
Gorham, NY
Funeral Service
Gorham United Methodist Church
Gorham, NY
Condolences
Peter Fedorchuk from DANSVILLE on Jun. 28, 2022
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father, Don....my father passed at 92 as well...and despite the long life, after he was gone, there were still things I wished I'd asked him or told him. Regardless, there are many memories to keep you going forward. My brothers and I still laugh and marvel at the memories our father left us. You will do the same. God Bless.
Billy Stallings from Elizabeth City, NC on Jun. 28, 2022
Thoughts and prayers with the House family. Many great memories of my trips to New York and the time spent with Dad, Mom and family. Sending our love during this time.
Terrence & Mary Grant from Leicester, New York on Jun. 28, 2022
We are saddened to see of Don's passing. Getting to know and spend time with Don and Donna while writing about Holstein cattle in Livingston County are memories we will cherish as both a delightful a time and a learning experience. May God Bless Donna and the House family. Terrence & Mary Grant
Rob Yarger from Stanley Ny on Jun. 28, 2022
Don was a great example to follow as a leader in the church or when it came to family. He was always interested in what my boys were up to,I admired his beautiful singing voice…He will be missed
Nancy Busby from Phelps NY on Jun. 28, 2022
Don was a wonderful and generous man. He will be missed, but lived a life and legacy to be celebrated. Thoughts and prayers…??✝️
Murraychip Crane from Dansville,n.y on Jun. 28, 2022
My condolences to the House and Irwin families. So sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to all. May god bless you all, and Don will b waiting for the rest of you when it's your time to go home. Peace be with you all.
Carleen (Fish) Pierce from Stanley, NY on Jun. 28, 2022
Extending our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Val & Bob DeLeo from Shortsville on Jun. 29, 2022
Heaven rejoices as we grieve. So happy to have known Don. Prayers for his family.
Mollie Ross from Penn Yan on Jun. 29, 2022
My thoughts and prayers to the House family. Don was a wonderful man that I admired greatly. His kindness to me at a very bad time has never been forgotten. I admire him, his kindness, and his love of life. Your family will miss you and so will I. Go in peace Don.
Marty Strong from Elmira, NY on Jun. 29, 2022
Don was truly an amazing man. Loved visiting with him at the lake and family gatherings. He was loved and will be missed by all. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul. Soar high like a Hawk.???? Uncle Marty????
Barbara Girard from Pembroke NH on Jun. 30, 2022
My 2nd dad from my very first memories in Lockport NY…….always kind, compassionate, accepting, understanding. Truly the best of the best. Can see you with the rat pack…..give them my love. Will be with you in the next life but will miss you tremendously in the rest of this one. To my second family….sending love to wrap you in my arms. Go with God DFH.❤️
Vern and Sandy Ahlgren from Jamestown, NY on Jun. 30, 2022
Darcy and Family,
Our hearts and comforting prayers are with you. We didn't know Mr. House, but we know the wonderful daughter he raised!
"I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love." Leo Buscaglia
For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8
Robert Belleville from Victor on Jun. 30, 2022
Although unable to attend the wake or funeral services for Don, I am compelled to write to let his family know how highly I thought of Don. Our relationship began well over 50 years ago so I have known Don both in a professional and personal capacity and have admired him in both of those roles. I have seen him as a father, husband and as an excellent provider for his family. I wish to epress my deepest condolances to Donna and his children on his passing. Please know that I hold him in the highest regard and am sure that his legacy will live for a very long time. Peace be with you Don as you pass to the other side.
Wayne & Donna Montague from Seneca, South Carolina on Jun. 30, 2022
Dear Donna..... & all of your beautiful family. May you find peace, strength & comfort in your memories. Don was such a special friend.
We will always remember him fondly. We have a lot of memories too !!
Peace,
Wayne & Donna
Morris Gage from Stanley, New York on Jul. 1, 2022
My thoughts and prayers to the House family. I first met Don back in my high school years playing football, as he was a referee. Always enjoyed seeing him when he was the ref..
God Bless,
Morris Gage
Jim and Mary Ann Cocola from Geneva NY on Jul. 1, 2022
Donna and family,
We are not able to attend the viewing and funeral due to Covid. We send our heartfelt condolences to you on this sad occasion. Don was one of the finest men that Jim has ever had the privilege to know and to work closely with for many years. His love of family and the students whose lives he touched was unquestioned. He served as a role model for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be missed, but his influence will be felt for many years to come in the lives of all who came to know him.
May he Rest In Peace.
Jim & Mary Ann
Dale Hemminger from Seneca Castle on Jul. 1, 2022
Donna and Family,
Don was a friend of my fathers on the farm as I grew up. My first memories are of him being the barn superintendent at the Ontario County Fair when I showed cattle. But most importantly when we got to high school, he was our teacher and with that a second father to many of us as we navigated our teenage years.
In the multi county area that Don’s students came from, I believe no one else has had such a positive influence on our rural area and the lives of the students he touched.
My dad told me that when Don was a supplier to farms that he visited most weeks, he had a sign on the front of his car that read, “Here comes Don” and on the back “There goes Don.” As I write this, I can see he and my father, Ralph getting reacquainted with their warm laughs.
As you drive the roads watching our rural landscape of growing crops, please know that Don’s positive influence on the lives of those who do or have farmed the land will live forever.
Lester & Cyndi Burgess from Stanton, KY on Jul. 2, 2022
Our prayers for Don and his family. I came to know Don when I was a young boy/teenager as we crossed paths often in the community of Gorham. I have vivid memories of his wonderful smile and laugh. I thought, back then and still today, that he was one of the kindest man I had ever met.