ILION - Donald "Don" Russell VanValkenburg, age 78, of Ilion, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, at home, after a long illness, with his loving family and closest friends by his side. Born October 14, 1935, to Russell and Clarice (Morgan) VanValkenburg, formerly of Mohawk, NY, it was their influence of the culinary arts that encouraged Donald to become a professional chef. Donald's first culinary experience was through the historic Valley Tavern Restaurant, Mohawk, owned and operated by his parents. Other professional pursuits included being a notable restaurateur, a former member and steward of the Ilion Moose Lodge, and car salesman with local automotive dealerships. Donald also served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1958. He was a 1953 graduate of Mohawk Central School. On November 25, 1961, he was married to Nina Zito in St. Mary's Church, Frankfort. Donald's passions included spending time with his family and cooking. There wasn't a day that one couldn't walk into the VanValkenburg family home and be accommodated with hospitality and cuisine like a five-star restaurant. Donald, also an avid sportsman, enjoyed playing softball and bowling as well as hunting and fishing and watching baseball and football. His favorite sports teams were the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills. Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-two years, Nina; his children, Connie Castellano and her husband, Frank, of Frankfort, Donna Briggs and her husband, Thomas, of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Russell VanValkenburg and his wife, Tammy, of Ft. Plain, Barbara Gorman and her husband, James, of North Carolina, and Nancy Grabow, of Frankfort; and seventeen grandchildren, Frank, Donald and Dominic Castellano, Andrea and Robert Gollegly, Caitlyn and Aaron VanValkenburg, Timothy and Tiffany Hazzard, Alex Smith, Brianne and Jason Rust, Audrie and Christopher Rooke, Morgan, James and Jacey Gorman, and Cheyenne and Joshua Humphrey. Donald is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Tatyana Billingsley-Rust, Jacob Rust and Jordan Cherry; his sister, Jeanne Dunn, of Deerfield Beach, FL; his aunt and uncle, Irving "Flash" and Eva VanValkenburg, of Canastota, NY; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and grandparents; his sister, Shirley Smith; and several aunts and uncles. In keeping with Don's wishes, there will be a private Celebration of Life Memorial Service, held at the convenience of the family, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, Ilion. There are no scheduled calling hours, also according to Don's wishes. The VanValkenburg family would like to thank wholeheartedly close friends and neighbors, Raymond and Shirley Luckina and family for their constant care and assistance during Donald's illness. In addition, a special thank you to close family friend, Anna (Duffy) Pickering, for many years of friendship and love for the VanValkenburg family. The VanValkenburg family is so appreciative of Donald's end of life attention by Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., and a special thanks to Elaina Scalise who dedicated her time to the family in the final hours of life as they grieved their loving husband and father. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Don, or add to his online memorial, may go to: www.applegateandday.com In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 The VanValkenburg family has entrusted Don's arrangements to their family Funeral Director and friend, Don Applegate.