Donald Cartwright, born on October 29, 1948, died on January 2, 2016, after losing a hard-fought battle with cancer. He leaves behind his adoring wife of 46 years, Connie Cartwright. He is also survived by his loving children, Jason, Stacie, and Carrie, and his two grandchildren, who were his pride an joy, Noah, and Emma. Other survivors include his best friend and sister, Lois Wakefield, his niece and honorary daughter, Erika Wakefield, his four brothers, Thomas, Edwin, Craig, and Brian Cartwright, and his sister, Karen Buddenhagen. He was also loved and cherished by his sister-in-law, Sharon Awramik. He leaves behind a large and loving family of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Harmon Cartwright, and his sister, Bonnie Deamer.

Donald was first and foremost a family man, but he was also an active member of society. He served in the Army Reserve for four years as a supply Sargent. His greatest sense of pride came from his 38-year participation as a volunteer in the Alplaus Fire Department in which he served a variety of offices and titles. The men and women of the department were his extended family.

He was a 1967 graduate of Linton High School and that is where he met his future wife, Connie.

Donald was a hard worker all his life and started at an early age. He worked at General Electric for 42 years, putting in as many hours as he could to put his three children through college. His title was Quality Control Inspector. He insisted on nothing less than quality and if a job wasn’t right, he wasn’t putting his name on it. He was all about getting it right.

He lived his life well and was respected and admired by family, friends, and neighbors. He touched many lives in a positive way. He was a wonderful example of how to live and how to die. He was brave until the end and we were all inspired by his strong determined spirit, which will continue on in all those who loved him. Remember him by being kind.