Donald J. Nojaim

UTICA - Mr. Donald J. Nojaim passed away, peacefully, with his loving family by his side, on Monday evening, November 10th, 2025, at the Siegenthaler Center at Hospice & Palliative Care in New Hartford.

Donald was born on March 16th, 1935, in Utica, the son of the late Ferris Daher (b.Kfertay, Lebanon) and Barbara B. Harb (b.Baskinta, Lebanon) Nojaim. He received a Bachelors in Metallurgy from RPI in Troy, NY and an MBA and Masters in Science Education from Syracuse University.

Donald served our country with the United States Army. He was united in marriage with Lucille Anne Lalli on March 10th, 2000, at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church in Utica. He was last employed with Special Metals Corporation in New Hartford as Purchasing Director.

Donald retired in 1998. His surprise retirement party was attended by friends and colleagues from around the country. He was highly respected and esteemed by all who worked with him as a man of the highest integrity, honesty, fairness, loyalty and expertise. Although Dad insisted, we not do anything, especially a “surprise retirement party”, he was truly honored and humbled by all who attended. However, he did remind us yearly “no more surprise parties”. This past March, we were blessed to celebrate his 90th birthday. All who attended wore a button that said, “I am not here to celebrate Jido’s birthday, I am here for the free food” with a picture of a vanilla cupcake with one candle. He was grateful for all the love that surrounded him with his family & friends.

At 90 years old, Donald lived a life full of love, generosity, and service. He was always the one to visit family and friends in nursing homes, check in on neighbors & friends. He showed up for people who needed comfort or company. He built lifelong friendships and maintained them with coffee gatherings, travel, laughter, and connection. He was one of the last of his circle of lifelong friends still here, we knew that was something he carried with both gratitude and sadness.

In May of 2021 Donald had a serious medical event, doctors said he would not make it. The next morning Dr. Nicholas Qandah stepped in and saved his life, for which we will be eternally grateful. Donald was gifted with a miracle and four more years during which he became a great grandfather-something he never believed he would be. God had granted him more time — and through that time, more opportunities for love, growth, and grace.

He is survived by his loving & devoted wife Lucille. He was the love of her life and best friend-she will sorely miss him until they reunite one day. Also surviving Donald are his three loving and devoted daughters, Diane M. Speer of Simpsonville SC, Linda B Findlay and her husband Bob of Simpsonville, SC and Nadine B. Nojaim of Utica; bonus daughter Patricia Houck of Melbourne FL and her daughter Jackie, grandchildren: Dr. Rachel Wise,Phd and her husband Johnny of Toledo Ohio and Daniel Speer and his partner Lisa Frick of Bethany Pa, Dr. Julia Vance and her husband Stephen of Simpsonville SC, and great-grandson Jeremy Finn and great grand-daughter Valerie Rose, his nieces Donna Sergio Neidig and husband Rich, Carla Sergio, grand nephews and nieces, and many adored cousins and friends.

Donald was pre-deceased by his sister Theresa S. Sergio and his grand-daughter, Aubrie Marie Findlay, who Jido is now loving and cuddling her in Heaven.

A Mass of the Divine Liturgy will be held at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, with Father Boutros El Hachem, celebrating the Maronite Funeral Mass and a celebration of his life. Donald’s family will share the date and time and will take place in the spring. Final interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Utica.

There are no public calling hours. For anyone wishing to, please consider donations to Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413. A special thank you to the caregivers at Hospice, who provided him with comfort and excellent care, and all the family and friends who visited with Donald during this difficult time. Funeral Care and planning have been entrusted to the family’s long - time special friend, Kevin E. Enea, with Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, Frankfort, New York.

His 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.