DONALD FRANCIS STEVES, 86 of Utica, New York and New Smyrna Beach, Florida passed away on April 17 2015 in New Smyrna Beach from natural causes after two years of declining health. He was born on December 11, 1928 at the family home in North Utica, the youngest child of Andrew Steves and Agnes Marie Hennessey Steves. Don was a life-long resident of North Utica and attended Seymour School and Utica Catholic Academy graduating in 1946. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed with the Army of Occupation in Japan. Upon his discharge he continued his education at Mohawk Valley Technical Institute. While at UCA Don met his wife, the former Doris Eileen Miekam. They were married June 24, 1950 in Blessed Sacrament Church and enjoyed almost 45 years of marriage until Doris' passing on April 3. 1995. Don and Doris enjoyed traveling, first in the pop up camper, then the RV, and finally the travel trailer. They pulled, drove and dragged through 49 states but had to fly to Hawaii to complete the 50. Their most memorable trip was up the ALCAN Highway to Alaska. Christmas Dinner was always hosted by Mom and Dad, a tradition Don continued after Doris' death and he was looking forward to this year's gathering. Don was a "snow bird" and spent the winters in New Smyrna Beach where he had many friends at Shore Villas. He was an avid golfer, golfing in the Knights of Columbus golf league and once shot a hole in one in Florida. Don was a proud and involved grandfather and derived much joy in attending all his grandchildren and great grandchildren's various events. Don was employed by General Electric in Utica and retired in 1984, after 35 years of service. He was active in Boy Scouts as a Scoutmaster and the North Utica Little League as a coach. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Nocturnal Adoration Society, and American Legion Post 229. He was a lifelong parishioner of St Peters Church in North Utica serving many years as an usher every Sunday. Don is survived by his son and daughter in law, Paul and Patricia Carey Steves of Ballston Lake, NY, daughter and son in law, Beth and Michael Pashley of Old Forge, NY and daughter and son in law Laura and Robert Bick of Remsen, NY. He was the proud grandfather of Paul D Steves (Colette) of Ballston Spa, NY, Melissa Pfaltzgraff (Joseph) of Charles Town, WV, David Steves (Colleen) of Kalamazoo, MI , Kevin Pashley (Lisa) of Old Forge, NY, Dana Pashley (Jessica) of Old Forge NY, Alan Bick (Pamela) of Schuyler, NY, Andrew Bick of Breckenridge, CO, and Alexandra Bick of Remsen, NY as well as 15 great grandchildren, Amelia Steves, Donald Steves, Nicholas Olsen, Christopher Pfaltzgraff, Evan Steves, Paul T Steves, Zachary Pfaltzgraff, Matthew Pfaltzgraff, Christian Olsen, Shawn Pashley, Adelyn Steves, Savannah Pashley, Leigha Pashley, Emmalin Steves, and Anna Bick. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Doris, Don was predeceased by his brother Andrew Steves and sister Phyllis Powers. Mr. Steves funeral will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 9:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica and at 10:00 at St. Peter's Church. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Friday from 4 - 7. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) 507 Kent St, Utica, NY 13502 or to a charity of ones choice.