Donald G. Stannard

Mr. Donald George Stannard, age 91, a respected member of the Ilion community, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, March 5, 2026, at Little Falls Hospital. Throughout his final days, he was surrounded by the support and devotion of his loved ones at his side.

Born in Bainbridge, NY on June 26, 1934, Donald was the son of the late Clifton and Harriette Gertrude (Petley) Stannard. He was raised and educated locally, graduating with the Frankfort High School Class of 1952. It was during this time that he would meet his lifelong sweetheart, Irene F. Kellogg.

Don proudly served his country with the United States Army, receiving his honorable discharge in 1958. He remained a proud patriot throughout his life and was a longstanding member of the Crowley-Barnum American Legion Post 25 in Mohawk.

On October 10, 1959, in St. Mary’s Church in Frankfort, Don was wed to the love of his life, Irene. Together they spent sixty-three years, enjoying travel, time with friends and family and cheering on their beloved NY Yankees. Their bond was inseparable and when Irene passed on November 16, 2022, a piece of Don’s heart went with her. The two are now reunited in their heavenly kingdom, along with their only child, Donald W. Stannard, who predeceased them in the summer of 2020.

Don was a hardworking man who had many adventures throughout his lifetime. After his military service, he was an apprentice with Bennett signs, eventually establishing his own business, along with his wife, Irene. The two operated Stannard Outdoor Advertising, where Don’s skills as a local sign artist shined.

Concurrently, he became a full-time fireman with the Ilion Fire Department. Lovingly known as “Dusty” he retired after twenty-five years of service to his department and his community.

During his retirement years, Don enjoyed time spent with Adirondack Scenic Railroad where he worked for ten years as a conductor and engineer.

Don’s engagement and dedication to his community was the thread that tied not only all of his work endeavors together but also played an integral role in his extracurricular involvement. He was a member of the Ilion Moose Club; an active member of the Troubadour Drum and Bugle Corps here in the Mohawk Valley; and a sixty-five-year Mason with the Olive Branch Masonic Lodge #40 in Ilion.

Don’s accomplishments were certainly plenty, but he will be most remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness and overall friendly demeanor. He was a simple man who never had a bad word for anyone. He strived to be a loving husband, father, friend and neighbor and his legacy will forever live on in the community that he loved so dearly.

Don is survived by his friends and neighbors, whose generosity and love he would never forget: Vickie and John Pagnotta; Roland Hall; Cassandra Moitoso, whom Don lovingly called “Cassie” and her husband, Zachary; along with many friends and loved ones whose path Don crossed during his time on this earth.

He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved, Irene; his son, Donny; and his brother, Leslie U. Stannard.

Those wishing to pay their respects to Don are invited to attend his calling hours on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 3:00PM – 5:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000.

His funeral service will commence at the funeral home at 5:00PM, immediately upon the conclusion of visitation, consisting of a Masonic ritualistic service and a Catholic prayer service, officiated by Don’s friend, Deacon Jim Bower. Spring interment with military honors will take place in Armory Hill Cemetery, where Don will be laid to rest with his wife and son.

For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to the Ilion Fire Department, Ambulance Fund, Central Fire Station, Ilion, NY 13357. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Don’s final wishes were thoughtfully pre-arranged with the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate funeral directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.