FELTS MILLS, NY — Donald F. Altmire, 97, of State Route 3, Felts Mills, NY, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, at the Samaritan Medical Center.
He was born on Aug. 12, 1924, in Carthage, NY, son of Raymond and Genevieve (Beahan) Altmire.
He married Valetta Orsbon on Oct. 12, 1947, in Williamson, NY. The couple built a home in Felts Mills, NY, in 1948 and resided there till today.
On Sept. 15, 1944, Donald was hired as a locomotive fireman on the NY Railroad. He advanced to become an engineer and retired after 15 years of service. In 1966, he started his family business, Altmire’s Used Auto Parts.
Donald enjoyed driving tractor trailers, traveling through the United States and he especially loved the state of Texas.
He was a family man and he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, hunting and spending time at hunting camp.
His hobby was building a model steam engine and he spent many hours working on it.
He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Valetta Altmire, his children Reginald (Marilyn) Altmire, Croghan, Susanne (Bill) Leeder, Ogdensburg, Joanne Bura, Felts, Mills, Barbara Siver, Felts Mills, Tom (Diane) Altmire, Watertown, Virginia (Kevin) Valentia, Michigan; a daughter-in-law, Sara Altmire; two sisters, Betty Gerstenschlager and Audrey Whitton; 28 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by two sons, Richard and Donald Altmire, a granddaughter, Cortney Bura, a grandson, Ross Leeder, a son-in-law, William Bura, a brother, Harold Altmire, and a sister Helen Selley.
Arrangements are with the Bruce Funeral Home, Black River. A graveside service will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 19, in Felts Mills Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.brucefh.com