Obituary of Donald R. Cieri, Sr.

    Mr. Donald R. Cieri, Sr., passed away on January 21, 2023, at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare in New Hartford at the age of 89.

     Donald was born in Utica, on July 30, 1933, the son of John and Eunice (Schaul) Cieri.  He was a 1951 graduate of Chadwick’s High School and attended Utica College for a short time.

     On August 28, 1954, Donald was united in marriage with Ruth Nelson, of Rome, NY, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Chadwick’s, NY. Donald began his career as a carpenter, following in his father’s footsteps. He worked on many jobs in the field, before joining Special Metals Corp, as a maintenance worker, retiring in 1992 after 32 years of dedicated employment. Over the years, he was also involved in many projects as owner of his own business. Donald had a great love of country music and all the special people he met from that. Donald’s greatest joys and fondest memories were all the good times he spent with family and friends at Chases Lake and visiting Italy, with his beloved wife Ruth, for their 50^th anniversary, which was a gift from their children.

     Mr. Cieri is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Ruth; his three children, Donald (Sue) Cieri, Jr., Debra (Joseph) Cioch and Donna (Dennis) Schafer; five cherished grandchildren, Kristi (Peter), David (Courtney), Jenny (Will), Meghan and Emily; one special great grandson,, Caden; one brother, Jack (Sue) and three sisters, Lillian, Anita and Jean (Ed), as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

     In keeping with Donald’s wishes, there are no calling hours.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Donald's memorial Mass of Christian burial on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish Church 3364 Oneida St., Chadwick’s, NY