Donald J. “Don” Fending Sr., 85, of Niagara Falls, New York, passed peacefully on December 27th, 2023. Don was born on April 14th, 1938 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to his parents, the late Joseph and Alberta (Laughblaugh) Fending.
After graduating from Trott Vocational High School in 1958, Don went into the electrical field where he worked for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 237 for over 60 years. In 1960, Don married his wife, the late Phyllis (Prue) Fending, and shared over 60 years with her. The couple was blessed with four children and did many things during their time together. What they loved to do most was spend time together with their family. To Don, family was the most important thing and he talked about it often. You could always find Don in his workshop making different projects for the house, or his friends and family. Oftentimes, some of his grandchildren would be in grandpa’s workshop, learning new tricks from him about woodworking. Don loved spending time with his grandchildren, passing his knowledge down to them, and guiding them when they helped with projects. He loved fishing, woodworking, and gardening, and shared these skills with all the kids in his life, as well as by volunteering as a Scoutmaster with Troop #845 in Niagara Falls.
Don is survived by his four children; Donald J. (Kate) Fending, Jr., David (Deborah) Fending, Daniel (Kim) Fending, and Diane (Thomas) Anderson; 8 grandchildren; Donald “Trey” (Shannon) Fending III, Colleen (Joseph) Bellardini, Dr. Philip (Dr. Sarah) Fending, David Arthur (Michelle) Fending, Dean Fending, Tyler Fending, Amanda (Chad) Smith, and Allison (Prestin Boyce) Hogan; 6 great-grandchildren; his sister Mary-Louise (late Richard) Daigler; and his brother Thomas (Linda) Fending, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Alberta (Laublaugh) Fending, his brother Joseph Fending, Jr., and his wife Phyllis (Prue) Fending.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 29 from 3-7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 30 at 11:00 AM at the same location. Entombment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Memorial offerings may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
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SERVICES
Visitation
Friday, December 29, 2023
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Funeral Service
Saturday, December 30, 2023
11:00 AM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
