Obituary of Donald P. Ernenwein
Donald P. Ernenwein, 74, formerly of the Town of Floyd, passed away at Washington Center Nursing Facility in Argyle, NY, March 27, 2023, peacefully in his sleep with his wife by his side.
He was born March 12, 1949 in Rome, NY, son of Norma (Smith) and James Ernenwein. On June 24, 2011 Don received the gift of life; he was blessed from his transplant which gave him 12 more years to spend with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Don attended school at RFA. After high school, he met his future wife Donna and the two were married July 5, 1969 at St. Leo’s in Holland Patent where they became active members. They would often laugh recalling the story of the “hot” drive to Nebraska for their honeymoon. They eventually built their home in Floyd where they enjoyed many years with their children and multiple dogs. Don was involved in mens softball and golf leagues with friends and family. He was an active member of the Holland Patent Legion Post #161 in addition to being a member of the Floyd Town Planning Board. Don worked for Marcy Psychiatric center for 35 years until he retired in 2004. He mostly worked nights until his boys were out of school.
Don enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting, golfing, playing pitch (more so because Donna wanted to!), and bowling. Don and Donna also loved spending time at their camp in the town of Ohio on the Hinkley Reservoir for many family gatherings. He especially loved “encouraging” the NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills from his recliner. We will keep that encouragement alive Poppy! Recently, he was the most eager to hear his grandchildren give him updates from the games they had just come home from playing with a “hey babe” to Joelle, or a “hey bud” to Miles and Cole.
Aside from his parents, Don was predeceased by his father and mother-in-law, Eugene and Cecelia (Iwanski) Lauber; his brother, James Ernenwein; and his brothers-in-law, James Lauber and Jerry Enos. Aside from his wife of almost 54 years, left to cherish his memory are his sons, Donald (Sara) Ernenwein II, and their two daughters, Marley and Mia of Voorhees NJ; and Douglas (Heather) Ernenwein, and their three children, Joelle, Cole, and Miles of Argyle NY; his sister, Jane Enos of Oriskany, NY; his sisters-in-law Sharon Ernenwein of Rome NY, and Heather Lauber of Rochester, NY; his brother-in-law, Rich Lauber and his wife, Rose, of Amsterdam; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many special friends including his “Argyle Family”.
A very special thank you to Vanessa Troumbley, Sandra Bogart, and the DCI home dialysis team (doctors, nurses, aides) who provided and made it possible for him to have in-home dialysis care for several years. To Washington County Health Care, Cossayuna Fire/Rescue (especially John our neighbor, Dave, and crew), Argyle Fire/Rescue and to everyone at Washington Center, thank you.
Mass and a Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 AM, at St. Leo’s Church in Holland Patent. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Rome, in the spring.
Relatives and friends may call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Rome, on Monday from 4 to 6 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago IL 6061, Cossayuna Fire/Rescue 21 Bunker Hill Rd., Cossayuna NY 12823, or, Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital 601 Elmwood Ave., Box 660 Rochester NY 14642.