Donald J. Stoffel

Entered into rest on January 13, 2019, after a brief illness. Don was born to Douglas and Marie Stoffel on June 18, 1920. He was preceded in passing from this life by them, along with his dear wife, Peggy (Margaret Flannigan), son, Douglas, grandson, Todd, and brother, Charles Stoffel. Don leaves behind children, Donna Fitzpatrick (Allen), Thomas (Patricia), Richard (Patricia), and daughter-in-law, Tricia, along with grandchildren, Anne Fitzpatrick-Post (Andrew), Heather Gillenkirk (Todd), Mark Stoffel (Mary), John Stoffel (Jenna), David Stoffel, and James Stoffel. Don was a beloved great-grandfather to Alexis and Story Post, Ethan and Ryan Gillenkirk, and Archer Stoffel. He is additionally survived by sister-in-law, Kathleen Spencer, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Don grew up in Irondequoit and attended St. Salome School. He became an Eagle Scout at Troop 106 in Irondequoit in 1937, and graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1938. During his senior year at Franklin, Don was a Section V champion, swimming breast-stroke in the medley relay. He also sang with the men’s chorale group, and was a pitcher in the Irondequoit baseball league.

At the outbreak of World War II, Don was drafted into the Army in January 1942, reporting to Fort McClellan for basic training. Following basic training, he was an Army swimming instructor at the University of Georgia, and attended Midland Radio School while in the Army Signal Corp. Don was accepted to Officer’s Candidate School later that year, at Camp Davis. He trained on artillery (90mm) guns, and was commissioned in December 1942. In January 1943, Don was sent to Camp Edwards and assigned to the 109th Mobile Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion. In May 1943, Don married Peggy, his companion and love for 57 years, and that August, was sent to Dover, England, to train with British and Polish troops, for whom he had abiding respect.

Don remained in England until June 11, 1944, when he landed at Omaha Beach, Normandy, as part of the invading force on the European Continent. He was the Artillery Range Officer for the 109th AA ‘D’ Battery, engaged in the European Theater of Operations through France, into Luxembourg, Belgium, and eventually into Germany. During this time, the 109th was engaged in providing artillery defense for Patton’s 3rd Army at the Battle of the Bulge, and defending the captured Ludendorff bridge at Remagen, Germany, on the Rhine River from aircraft bombings; allowing five divisions of troops and equipment to cross into Germany. Don was a recipient of the Bronze Star medal and a first lieutenant at the end of WWII.

Don had a 40-1/2-year career at the Eastman Kodak Company, starting in 1938 as a Photographic Sensitometrist in the Research Labs. He later worked at Kodak Park and retired as a Sr. Photographic Engineer from Film Technical Services (FTS) in 1979. In the early 90’s, Don formed the ‘Friends of Testing’ group for those who worked at FTS, and since then, has hosted over 55 dinners and luncheons with the group, with a focus on camaraderie and good memories.

Outside Kodak, Don enjoyed bowling and loved to play golf. For 45 years, he ventured to Pennsylvania each spring with his golf buddies to play over 100 holes in three days. During the 60’s, Don was instrumental in helping to form the Bishop Kearney HS Father’s Club and served as its first president. He was active in Boy Scouting for many years and is still registered in the BSA.

After leaving Kodak, Don pursued selling real estate and performing appraisals, beginning with Red Coach Realty in 1979, and was a Real Estate Broker for 25 years. A dedicated worker, he completed residential appraisals and sold real estate into his early 80’s. In addition, he helped found American Legion Post 206 in Greece, NY, and was a member of the Post at his passing.

Don was an extremely positive, forward-looking person. His mind remained sharp until the end and he loved having his family with him. He enjoyed technical conversation and loved to work at figuring out a better mousetrap. A cancer survivor, Don often touted that his longevity was due, in-part, to a daily regimen of a 4pm Manhattan. He was truly a member of the ‘Greatest Generation.’

Don’s family is thankful for the many blessings received through him during his life. The day before his passing, Don commented that he wanted ‘to meet God,’ with the knowledge and certainty of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

The family is most appreciative to the many aides, nurses, and doctors that attended him at Unity Hospital, The Episcopal Church Home, and St. John’s Home, and for their loving kindness in making him part of their families during the last seven weeks.

A Celebration of Don’s life will be held on January 26, at 9:30 am, at St. Lawrence Church, Greece. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Legion Post 206, P.O. Box 26783, Rochester, NY 14626.