Donald C. Willner

Donald C. “Don” Willner of Ilion, NY passed away on November 27th, 2025, at age 79 from complications of pancreatic cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Prymas; his sister Margaret Reiman (Michael Madden); his brother Martin (Cheryl), his children Melanie Pollay (Dan), Jennifer Susa, and Keith (Mary Gallo); 5 beloved grandchildren: Jordan Susa; Shelby Dewan; Ian, Claire, and Charlotte Willner; sister-in-law Linda Prymas; two nephews and their families; dear friends Julie and Ellen Dewan, Bill Perrotti, Mike Sewall; and great neighbors and friends.

Don was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse and grew up in Manlius. He is the youngest child of Erwin and Lucile Willner. He attended Clarkson University where he received a BS in mathematics in 1968 and an MS in mathematics in 1969.

Don began his career at MVCC in 1969 where he joined the mathematics department. His dedication to teaching and his students soon became apparent making him a much-beloved professor. He was promoted to department chair of mathematics and later dean of the STEM center. He also was a longtime advisor to Phi Theta Kappa, the national junior college honor society. Don contributed to the education of countless people and retired in 2012. He was inducted into the MVCC Hall of Fame in 2017 and continued to support the faculty and staff after his retirement. He and his friends, Mike and Bill, formed an annual tradition of welcoming everyone back to campus on the first day of classes – from across the street in lounge chairs with coffee in hand.

Don was an active member of the New York State Mathematics Association of Two-Year Colleges where he led the NYSMATYC Math League aided by friend and former classmate Michael Hellinger from 1992-2009 and was honored with the Outstanding Contributions to NYSMATYC award in 2001.

Don had a passion for running. He completed 38 Boilermakers (last one at age 78) as well as countless shorter races, including winning the 75 and older age group this year in the 5K Run Around Ilion while undergoing chemotherapy.

Don also loved woodworking and restoring antiques. He found tremendous joy in making frames and small furniture for family and close friends. His work was featured in the Local Artisan Section of the Ilion Hardware Store.

Don loved the outdoors. He looked forward to fishing the lakes and rivers of Central New York and the coast of Maine. Taking friends and family out on Lake Delta was a favorite go-to fishing adventure. He took great pride in his yard and garden and even made sure he planted the garlic this fall. He also loved to travel; visiting Old Orchard Beach in Maine twice a year was a much-loved trip. His favorite sports were baseball, hockey, and football…even though the Yankees never won a game when he was in attendance.

Don and his family extend their gratitude for the tremendous compassionate care he received at Faxton Infusion Center and the Wynn Hospital.

Don requested his life be celebrated in a private setting. In lieu of gifts, you may honor his memory by making a donation to the MVCC Foundation [https://www2.mvcc.edu/foundation/campaign/], specifically to the Ted Moore Scholarship.

Don's arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate funeral directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.

His obituary was lovingly composed by his family.