Donald C. Karpowich

Donald C. "Don" Karpowich, age 67, of Ilion, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, after a brief, but valiant battle with cancer, with his loving family by his side, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

Don was born on November 17, 1958, in Watertown, NY. He was a son of the late John and Katherine (Conklin) Karpowich. Don graduated from Ilion High School, Class of 1976. He dedicated twenty years of his life to working in various positions at Remington Arms. On May 26, 2001, Don was united in marriage to the former Cheryl Conte. The two shared in over 25 years of love and togetherness. It was seldom you would find one without the other. 

Don spent many years in the Canton and Alexandria Bay areas. In his younger years, he was an avid outdoorsman; enjoying both bow and rifle hunting, and fishing. The great outdoors became a place of solace and comfort for him. Don loved music, attending concerts, dancing and letting loose. He had an amazingly unique sense of humor and was the true life of the party! Boisterous, loud and often times, quite hilarious, Don was loved by all who knew him. He was empathetic and a true friend to all; always having the best interest of others at heart. His larger-than-life personality will forever live on in those he leaves behind. 

Don is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Karpowich; his stepchildren, Jeremy Callahan, Brian Ferguson, Paul Ferguson, and Alexandra Smithers; his cherished grandchildren, Dominick Smithers, who shared a special bond with his Papa, Rainne Ferguson and Winter Rose Ferguson; his twin brother, David Karpowich and his wife, Christina; his brothers, Ronald Karpowich and his wife, Jenee and Dwight Stowell and his wife, Karen; his sister, Allison Wardle and her husband, Mike; and his in-laws, Raymond (Conte) and his wife, Lee Ann Sandborn. Don also leaves his canine companion, Cody; his cats, Lucky and Athena; and his best friend, Earl Loomis; as well as many nieces and nephews, including Tyler Karpowich and Kylee Karpowich and his Godson, John Karpowich.

He was predeceased by his parents; his grandson, Baby Ethan Ferguson; his sister-in-law, Sharon Richer and her husband, Clyde; and his beloved dogs, Sadie and Annie.

A Celebration of Don's Life will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 2:00PM - 6:00PM at the St. Francis di Paola Society, 152 8th Avenue, Frankfort, NY. All are welcome to attend. What we began planning as a benefit for Don's illness, will now be a time to honor his life, as well as his upcoming birthday; a day to remember and celebrate all of the memories, laughter and friendships he has created during his time with us on earth.

The Karpowich family has entrusted Don's final wishes to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000, Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Family Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.