Donald Raymond Fry

Pattersonville – Donald Raymond Fry, 86, passed away Friday August 25, 2023. Born in Schenectady he was the son of Wilbur and Ruth Fry. A 1954 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School Don went on to serve our country in the United States Army from 1955-1961 where his duty stations included Fort Bragg, Fort Benning, Okinawa, Korea and the Philippines. While at those duty stations Don served as a forward observer, a platoon sergeant, a section Chief and gunner. Don trained as a paratrooper at Fort Bragg and was bestowed his “silver wings”. He will always be remembered as a paratrooper in the movie “Red Dawn”.  His military education was vast and extensive which included Airborne School, Loadmaster School and Heavy Weapons Infantry School. Before leaving active-duty Don attained the rank of sergeant first class.

On January 1, 1963 Don joined the Schenectady Fire Department. His exemplary career included many duties which included fire suppression techniques, supervisory and administrative oversight. After 18 years of service Don retired as a lieutenant.

Don never stopped learning and continued his civilian education by graduating from Richmor aviation and obtaining his commercial pilot certificate, receiving his freefall certificate from the Albany skydiving club and continuing to keep his EMT certification from the Schenectady Fire Department.

He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 1, Schenectady Veterans, the 1st Airborne Division, UDT Seal association member and the Schenectady Permanent Firefighters Assoc. local #28.

Don will also be remembered for his love of reading, nature, dogs, western music, chess, board games and puzzles. He also enjoyed building models of tanks and ships.

He is survived by his son Armondo Cioccke.

Two step-sons John and Anthony Cioccke.

He is also survived by several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his loyal friend Cindy.

Besides his parents Don was predeceased by his brother Kenneth.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 10-11:30 am at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. An 11:30 am funeral service will immediately follow.

Burial, with military honors, will be in Bramans Corners Cemetery.