Donald Quigley

Donald John Quigley was born December 15, 1923 in Cayuga, N.Y. to Marguerite Minet Quigley (d.1973) and Harold C. Quigley (d.1944).

Donald was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Reva J. Quigley on June 21, 2006. Survivors include: Children: daughters, Susan (Henry) Rocholl of Montour Falls, NY, Susan (Peter) Farrell of Half Moon Bay, CA, Patricia (Randy) Rusheen of San Diego, CA; and sons, Carl (Carol) Conklin of Binghamton, NY, and Patrick (Marcia) Quigley of Hampstead, NH; and was also predeceased by son, Dale Conklin in 1965. Grandchildren: Christopher (Cecilia) Salzer, Scott (Darla) Salzer; Jill (Michael) Covington, Laura (John) Johnston; Ryan Rusheen, Nicole Rusheen; Dale (Michele) Conklin; Michael Quigley, Alison Quigley; Great-Grandchildren: J.T. and Dillon Salzer; Paul and Kuulei Salzer; Lucy Covington; Brothers: Valere Quigley, NC; Harold (Geraldine) Quigley, VA. Sisters-in-law: Dora Conklin Wambold, NY; Ruth Conklin Thompson, FL, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don was an honor student at Union Springs School and graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1941. He then became employed at Schweizer Aircraft Corporation in Elmira, NY. During WWII he left his work to serve in the Army Air Force as a tail gunner and was stationed in England. When he completed his military service he returned to and remained with Schweitzer Aircraft Corp. for over 40 years and retired as Vice President, Production Engineering,

In the 1950s he was very active in Boy Scouts and served as Scout Master of Troop 51, Valois, N.Y.

As a result of his work at Schweizer Aircraft he enrolled in Elmira College and received an AAS degree (1967) in Manufacturing Engineering.

Later interests included Real Estate sales, attending Auctioneering School and forming Finger Lakes Auction Service with Darwin Connelly of Watkins Glen. He and his wife, Reva were Amway distributors for several years and later opened an antique and collectibles store in Valois, NY (Beggar’s Ride). Don was active in the Seneca Union Cemetery Assoc. in Valois, NY and was instrumental in updating the records (inventory of cemetery) and creating a computer database to maintain the records.

Don resided with his family on a 100-acre farm in Caywood, NY. He raised sheep, worked several acres of vineyards and enjoyed hunting. He loved Seneca Lake and after his retirement he and wife, Reva moved to a new home in Hector, NY with a beautiful view overlooking Seneca Lake. Over the years Don was a member of the Lodi Grange, Lodi, NY; a member of Valois Community Church, Valois, NY and most recently, Hector Presbyterian Church, Hector, NY.

For many years, Don and Reva spent the winter months at their residence in the Good Samaritan Village, Kissimmee, FL and made many good friends in the Village and at the First Presbyterian Church, Kissimmee, FL. He taught computer classes to the GSV residents, and in addition spent one day a week in Orlando repairing and rebuilding computers, which were sent to missionaries all over the world. In addition, Don participated in raising funds for the GSV Endowment Fund by helping to organize and auctioneering at their annual auctions. He was also instrumental in forming the GSV Homeowners Association and served as the first president. Because he was an avid golfer, he helped design the GSV Golf Course and was active as both an administrator and player at the course.

Reva and Don enjoyed many wonderful travel adventures in their motor home. They made several cross-country treks visiting family and friends along the way. Don was passionate about golf and played as often as possible with his friend, Carl Bubb, and others in the senior leagues at local courses.