Donald Leonard Lamphear

Donald Leonard Lamphear, Ilion, NY, passed away at home on Saturday, May 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born October 19, 1948 in Rome, New York, the son of Blair D. Lamphear and Eleanor Kent Lamphear and a 1966 graduate of Rome Free Academy. Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17, where he began his lifelong career in computer science. Upon his honorable discharge in 1970, he enrolled in SUNY Cobleskill. Many people referred to Don as ‘Major’, a nickname he earned at college as he often used military terms such as mess hall for the cafeteria and barracks for the dorm. He continued his studies at SUNY Upper Division in Utica, earning a BS in Computer Science.

On November 18, 1972, Major and Diane Cristman were wed at The Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York City.

He began his career at Upstate Computer Center in Utica, also working at MDS, Lucas Aerospace, Chicago Pneumatic, Key Bank, retiring from Bank of New York Mellon in Oriskany.

He served his community as a member of the Ilion Jaycees, the Ilion Community Club, the Village of Ilion Parks and Recreation Commission and the Marina Commission. He also coached youth softball and during the Ilion Days Doo Dah parade, he could be found marching with the lawn mower brigade. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ilion, serving as a Deacon and Elder and working on several committees.

His greatest joy was his family. He loved putting the boat on the lake, taking the girls and their friends for rides, and teaching them to water ski. As his grandchildren grew, he shared that same love of adventure with the next generation, happily driving the boat while they laughed and rode the couch across the water. He read countless books with the children and was the loudest and proudest cheerleader on the sidelines. Above all, he was always there for his daughters and grandchildren, ready with a big hug, a high five, and unwavering support.

He leaves to carry on his love and legacy, his wife of 53 years, Diane, his daughters and sons-in-law, Kristen and Shawn Wood and Alyson and Walton (Bear) Yoder and the grandchildren who he thought hung the moon, Amelia Diane Yoder, Lillian Marie Wood, Ivy Elisabeth Yoder, Leo James Wood, and Gretchen Frances Yoder. He also leaves family members, Gail and Bob Bracken, Jamie Garza, Lynn Bracken Cox and family, Bob Bracken and family, Ryan Garza, Cory Garza, and “the cousins”. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Blair Lamphear II, his nephew, Blair Lamphear III, and a niece, Lesli Garza.

In memory of Don, in lieu of flowers, you are welcome to donate to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at the following link:https://profile.pmc.org/sm0409 Gifts can also be made in memory of Donald Lamphear directly through the Pan Mass Challenge. 100% of all donations go directly to fund cancer research and treatment. Donations can also be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Ilion.

Please join us for a memorial service honoring Donald on Saturday May 16, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church, 90 Morgan Street, Ilion, NY. Calling hours will be held at the church beginning at 11:30 with a service immediately to follow at 1:00. His remains will be laid to rest at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY at a later date.

Don's obituary may be viewed on the funeral home website by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.