Obituary of Donald Anthony Heigel, Jr.
GALWAY –
Donald “Don” Heigel of Galway passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
He was 66 years old.
Don was born July 16, 1957, to the late Donald Heigel Sr. and Joanne (Wermter) Heigel. He is survived by his wife, Theresa (Ashcraft) Heigel; daughter, Jacqueline Heigel (Shane Van Buren); son, Darren Heigel; stepsons, Michael Mahar Jr and Richard Mahar (Kim); grandsons, Michael Mahar III, Tristan Mahar, and Tyler Mahar; granddaughters Hailey Heigel, Kellee Zenn, Emma Mahar, and Isabella Mahar; his sister, Diane (Heigel) Martin (Kenneth); his brother Danny Heigel (Shelia); sisters-in-law, Kim Ashcraft (JoAnn), Debra (Ashcraft) Spencer (Leif), and Alana (Ashcraft) Buscher (Thomas); nieces and nephews Ryan Heigel, Sheldon Martin, Ciera Heigel, Kamryn Martin, Brenna Buscher, Malaina (Buscher) Webster, Morgan Spencer, Rebecca Spencer, Nathan Spencer; grandniece Rebecca Rose Martin. Don is preceded in death by his father, Donald, brother Dennis, and son Christopher Heigel.
Don was a loving husband, father, brother, son, friend, and an amazing grandfather.
Don graduated from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School in 1976. He had a wonderful career as an autobody technician, “Doc Don” at Metro Ford, retiring in 2023.
His most precious time in life was becoming a father to Jaqueline, Christopher, Darren, and Hailey. In addition to his family, his favorite things were trips to the shore, boating, building and flying RC airplanes, rock music, playing the lottery, playing the guitar, and collecting and re-purposing treasures found at flea markets and garage sales.
Throughout his life, Don made so many friends that turned into family. He embraced the best qualities a friend, brother, father, son, and husband could offer. He was an inspiration to everyone he met.
Throughout Don’s battle with cancer, he carried himself with dignity, strength, grace, and courage. He never complained and kept a loving, positive attitude.
Cremation has taken place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc.
Friends and family are invited to Don’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 14, 2023, beginning at 11 o’clock in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glenville, located at 547 Saratoga Road Schenectady, NY 12302.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Heigel Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com
Share Your Memory of
Donald
