Don was a graduate of Belmont High School. After graduation, he spent seven years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He found his career as a mechanic at East Side Garage in Bemont. Outside of his employment, he was a past fire chief in Belmont, a member of the Wellsville American Legion Post 702, and was a member of Crosstown Alliance Church in Wellsville. Most of all he was a kind and gentle man.
In addition to his wife of 19 years, Sharon, he is survived by: sons, Dana (Jessica) Hand, and Timothy (Deanna) Hand; stepchildren, Christina (Andrew) Bastian, William Giannelli Jr., and Michael (Catherine) Giannelli; grandchildren, Gavin & Cassidy Hand, and Joshua & Jacob Riggs; siblings, William (Lorie) Hand, and Edna Lessard; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by: siblings (and their spouses), Harold Hand, Helen Rice, Doris Williams, Gerald & Dorothy Hand, Walter Hand; and brother-in-law, Paul Lessard.
Following Don’s wishes, there are no services being planned at this time. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery of Scio. Please consider memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
