Donald F. Van Wie

Donald F. Van Wie

Donald (Don) F. Van Wie, 85, of Bridgeport, NY, passed away peacefully at home after many years of battling dementia. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 58 years, Catherine (Kay) Van Wie, and children.  

Don was born on March 27, 1940 in Oneida, NY to Donald A. and LaRene F. Van Wie.

In 1959, Don graduated from Oneida High School and then joined the United States Air Force.  After returning back home with an Honorable Discharge in 1966, he utilized his skills and training as a telecommunication specialist for Western Union, Coradian Corporation, Ericsson, and retired from University Hospital in 2004.

Don married Catherine (Kay) K. Katz on April 8, 1967.  Together they had 6 children; Cathy (Joe) DiMento, Dr. Don Van Wie, Jr. (Denise Graham), Carolyn (John) Rodriguez, Christine (Joe) Correia, Colleen (Chris) Prenoveau, and Cindy Cashman (Mark Beaulac).  Don was always surrounded with the love and happiness of his 15 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and numerous pet dogs.  He was also a brother-in-law, nephew, uncle, and great uncle.  Anyone who met Don loved and admired him.

Don had a strong faith in God and was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi in Bridgeport. He was a church usher, volunteered countless hours pouring coffee for fish dinners, contributed his time to support the Bridgeport Food Pantry, assisted with “duck races”, helped maintain the church telecommunication systems, and even ran a church ski club. Don was a member of A.R.C.S. where he learned the craft of building and flying model airplanes in connection with Walt’s Hobby Shop.  He enjoyed coaching his children in Sullivan Community Council youth sports. You could always find Don on the sidelines of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, in the auditoriums of school concerts, and being a part of various functions that involved his family.

Don loved living on Oneida Lake where he shared his passion for sailing, waterskiing, and fishing with his family and friends.  He spent a lifetime renovating his Walnut Grove Road home while watching the morning and evening sunsets from his deck. After the boats were put away for the season, Don would spend the winter months visiting the slopes of numerous area ski resorts.  He taught Kay, all 6 of his own children, and even a few of his grandchildren how to ski.  

Calling hours will be at Traub Funeral Home in Bridgeport, NY from 4:00-6:00PM on Monday, December 29, 2025. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi in Bridgeport, NY at 11AM on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

The family would like to thank the VA for their support services and the additional care teams that assisted.  Donations may be made to the Bridgeport Food Pantry or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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