RUSSELL – It is with a heavy heart to announce that Donald A. Willey, Jr., 61, a retired Staff Associate of Grounds for over 26 years for Westfield State University, died Sunday, April 6, 2014 at home with his loving family by his side. Born in Westfield, MA on January 25, 1953, he was the son of the late Donald A. Willey Sr. and Beverly (Steins) Sainio of Sheperdsville, KY.Besides his mother, Donald leaves his beloved wife, and best friend Sharon J. (Fisk) Willey of 42 years; his two daughters, Tammy L. Willey-Vyce and Stacy L. Boisseau and her husband Joseph both of Russell. He dedicated his love, patience and gentle guidance to his beloved grandchildren, Tyler D. Willey-Vyce, Jordan Cooper and Hunter Boisseau. Don enjoyed fishing, hunting and time spent in “Man Town”. Most of all, he savored the time shared with his family and his very close friends. He also leaves his brothers and sisters, Susan Brashear of Shepherdsville Kentucky, Carol Willey and partner Marilyn Capozzi of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Nancy Willey of Sheperdsville, Kentucky, Harry Willey and wife Lisa of Southwick, MA, Amy Willey of West Springfield, MA, Karen Avery of Chester, MA, Sharen Engwer of Sheffield, MA, Diane Fontana and husband Alan, and Deborah Canedy and her husband Tom all of West Springfield, MA. In addition, he leaves Jeff Fisk and his wife Martha, of Huntington, Gary Fisk and his wife Marie, Dorothy Fisk his mother-in-law, of Russell and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Darlene Bottesini.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held for his immediate friends and family on Saturday, April 12th at Don’s home, 100 Shattuck Road, Russell, MA from 1:00-5:00 p.m. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Hampden County Physicians of Southwick, MA for their sincere support to our family through this difficult time.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Russell Fire Department, 162 Main Street, Russell, MA 01071. O’Brien Hilltown Community Funeral Home of Huntington are handling the arrangements.
