Donald Rumrill

Donald M. Rumrill, 68, of Apalachin passed away on July 16, 2016 after a long, difficult fight against cancer. Don grew up in Gloversville, NY and then graduated from St. Lawrence University with a B.S in Physics. Spending time outdoors was an important part of his youth from becoming an Eagle Scout to climbing, fishing, canoeing and skiing in the Adirondacks. At Gloversville HS, his ski team went to the State Championships in 1964. Don continued to test his mettle in numerous other competitions, most notably in the 1991 General Clinton Canoe Regatta 70-Mile Race, in which he and partner, Harold Eustace, placed first in their division. His love of boating also led him to volunteer designing training equipment for US Olympic Rowing and then taking leadership roles with Hiawatha Rowing Club in Owego, NY. Don was proud of his achievements as an aerospace engineer. As part of his work with Teledyne Gurley, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Avnet, he developed flight control computer technology for military and commercial aircraft, including the V-22 Osprey and Airbus, and for NASA missions. When he put down his slide-rule for the day, he would pick up his bagpipes. He joined the Broome County Celtic Pipe and Drum Corp in 2004 and practiced assiduously, much to the chagrin of his beloved dog Josie. With BCCP&D, he traveled to Savannah, Ga. and New York City to participate in celebrations and parades, as well as piping for local events. Don loved the excitement, the noise, and the joy that the bagpipe players bring with them wherever they go. For a quieter change of pace, Don enjoyed woodworking and engaged in amateur astronomy, submitting photos taken through his telescope to further the study of the solar system, the galaxy, and beyond. He was also an experienced sailor and applied his analytical mind to US Sail and Power Squadron Navigation courses. Don also held a private pilot’s license. When Don was diagnosed with cancer in 2014, he maintained a positive outlook, taking trips with his wife, daughter, and friends between treatment sessions. He was beloved by the staff at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and known there for his storytelling and conviviality. Don is predeceased by his parents Donald A. Rumrill and Mary C. Rumrill. He is survived by his wife Lynn Anstey, his daughter Jane Rumrill, his sister Barbara Dahn and her sons, Curtis Rumrill and Tristan Dahn, his brother-in-law, Roderick Anstey with his wife Francine and their children, Amy Quinn, Jonathan, Neil and Robert Anstey and their spouses. His family would like to thank Dr. Haq, the medical staff at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital and at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for their kindness and dedication to cancer treatment and research. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Donald Rumrill to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift.

The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott,Thursday from 3:30-5:30 pm followed byservices at 5:30 pm.