Obituary of Donald L. Gage

Rotterdam - Donald L Gage Sr., 88, passed away at Ellis Hospital after a brief illness on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Donald was born in Schenectady on June 11, 1934, the son of John and Grace (Haskins) Gage. He was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School. He worked as tow truck driver, mechanic, and photographer for ALCO. In 1959 Donald went on the Schenectady Police Dept. as a patrolman. In 1960 he found his dream career as a Firefighter for the City of Schenectady, which he retired from as a Captain in 1991 with 31 years of service. Upon retirement, Don and Pat spent many years RVing with friends in Myrtle Beach for the winter. Through the years he enjoyed hunting, fishing and target practice. He was an active member of Nisk-A-Mont Sportsmen's Alliance. Donald loved his man cave, in which he looked forward to having two beers and a shot with friends on Beer Friday, all summer long. Donald is predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Patricia M (Hunt) Gage, brothers William and Everett Gage. Survivors include his children: MaryAnne (Jim) Angerami, Irene (Colin) Bailey, Donna (Art) Palombo, Debbie (Kevin) Boyle and Donald Jr. (Diane) Gage. Grandchildren: Michael (Amy) Angerami, Debbie (Dave) LaFleche, Shane (Tammy) Bailey, Jason Bailey, Kristin (Vincent Struffolino) Bailey, Aaron (Sara) Palombo, Cassandra Palombo, Kellianne (Peter) Tang, Donald III (Mallory) Gage, Jennifer (Andrew) VanBuren. Great grandchildren: Anthony and Taylor Angerami, Christian and Caleb LaFleche, Devin and Camryn Bailey, Alexandra and Victoria Bailey, Jordan and Logan Kownack, Jackson and Samantha Palombo, Julieanna, Johanna, Gianna, Andrew Jr., and Benjamin Palombo, Remington Tang, Adelina and Weston Gage, Harper and Caroline VanBuren. Predeceased by grandsons: Trevor Boyle and Andrew Palombo Sr. and great grandson Ethan Angerami. The family would like to thank our special friend Lori Sheridan, the Ellis Rehab, and the 5th floor Doctors and Nurses at Ellis Hospital for their compassion and care given to our father. Calling hours will be held Thursday 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 9:00 am at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 1241 State St., Schenectady. Interment will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.