UTICA – Mr. Donald “Don” W. Bova, age 79, a lifelong Utica resident, passed away on Wednesday evening, September 14, 2016, at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Syracuse, following a brief illness. Born on May 18, 1937, Don was the son of the late Floyd and Edna (Davis) Bova. He was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. Upon completion of his education, Don enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country stateside during the Berlin Crisis. On December 24, 1973, Don married the love of his life, the former Bonnie Poirier, and the two shared in a loving union of almost 43 years together. As a couple, they were one another’s best friend and dedicated themselves to a life filled with love and family. Hardworking by nature, Don began his career with his father and older brother, Richard, selling produce door to door. After many years working in the family business, he went to work at Murray Warehouse, in Utica, which eventually became PJ Green, and then continued on to Vick’s Lithography, in Yorkville, where he worked as a truck driver until his retirement in 2005. Don’s family always came first and he instilled traditional values in his children and grandchildren by always providing them with the tools for a successful future focusing on the importance of education and discipline. He was always the involved father and grandfather, and when his children were young, he served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 27 Boy Scouts, and also participated in the Foothills Girl Scout Council. He was a member of the New Hartford American Legion Post 1376, the Teamsters Union Local 182, and a longtime parishioner of St. Mark’s Church in North Utica. Don’s influence and presence as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, as well as a loyal and true friend, will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie; his daughter and son-in-law, Bridget and Erik Towt, of Denver, CO; his son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Theresa Bova, of Utica; his grandchildren, Ashley Bova and Amir Guso, Brian Bova, Jr., Carrie Bova, Isaac Towt and Jacob Towt; and one very special and recent great-granddaughter, Ariella Guso. He also leaves his brothers and sisters-in-law, Lawrence and Marie Bova, Dennis and Sandra Bova, and Joyce Bova, all of Utica; his in-laws and dear friends, Maurice “Mickey” and Deborah “Debbie” Poirier, of Whitesboro, Richard and Susan Poirier, of Herkimer, Robert and Sandy Poirier, of Deerfield, and Scott and Vicki Poirier, of Utica; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, several godchildren, as well as his lifelong friends, Al and Betty Cardamone. Don was predeceased by his brother, Richard Bova, less than two weeks ago. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation for Don, which will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Nunn & McGrath Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica, NY. Don’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning, September 19, 2016 at 8:45 a.m. from Nunn & McGrath Funeral Directors, and at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 440 Keyes Road, Utica, where Don’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Mark Pasik, Pastor. Interment will follow in West Schuyler Cemetery. A special thank you is extended to the crews of the Utica Fire Department’s Engine 5 and Rescue 1, for their quick attention to Don during his time of need. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Don, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions, in Don’s name, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Don’s family has entrusted all funeral arrangements and supervision to their family Funeral Director and friend, Don Applegate, of Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, Ilion, assisted by Bonnie’s lifetime best friend, Judy Applegate.