Obituary of Donald Ziter

Donald Ziter Middletown, New York There are four words which sum up what Donald loved most in his life. They are God, family, teaching and traveling. A devout Catholic, Don departed Park Rehabilitation and Care Facility of Middletown on February 15, 2014 to meet his God, undoubtedly with joy in his heart. He left behind a family whom he loved dearly and he will always live on in their hearts. He also left behind many men and women whose lives he touched in the classroom and on various athletic fields leaving a lasting impression. He was born Donald MilandZiter on September 2, 1938 in North Adams, MA., the son of Camille and Julia Ziter. He grew up in Massachusetts and after college began his long teaching career in Bennington, Vt., where he taught mathematics and coached several sports. He eventually moved his family to Middletown and taught mathematics at Middletown High School. He also coached football, baseball, golf and chess. During his long 33 year career in education he worked at MHS as a guidance counselor, and asst. principal, and finally became the principal of Tri Valley High School in Grahamsville, N.Y. During these years he pursued his love of travel as well. He purchased a camper and he and his wife Fran toured U.S. during summer vacations from school. When he retired, the Ziters moved to Florida and retired from camping and took up cruising. For the next ten years it was Don's passion. They traveled the World taking at least two or more cruises a year until his illness made it no longer possible. His life was full with all that was important to him. His presence in our lives was a rare gift which we will always treasure. Don was predeceased by his mother Julia and daughters Kristen Porch and Kimberly Sheehan. He is survived by his wife Fran of Middletown, his father Camille of Port Orange, Fl. and his daughter Dana Wood and her husband Michael and their sons Michael, David and Christopher all of Highland, N.Y. His grandson Daniel and granddaughters Brady and Mallory Sheehan of Livermore, CA. His stepdaughter Theresa Freer and her husband Jeff and sons Michael, Sam and daughter Julia of Accord, N.Y. His stepson RichardStellato and his wife Gina and daughters Kayleigh and Ashleigh of Middletown and stepson Gary Stellato and his wife Gail and sons Dylan and Blake of Goshen. His brother BruceZiter and his wife Jean of North Adams, MA. His sisters Jackie Gigliotti and her husband Allen of Orange Park, Fl. And Karen Singleton and her husband Dick of Pownal, VT., he is also survived by several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Visitation hours will be held on Thursday February 20, 2014 from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. at the Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, Inc. 72 West Main St. Middletown, N.Y. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday February 21, 2014 at 11 A.M. at St. Joseph Church in Middletown. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery Middletown, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Church or the National Aphasia Assn. (www.aphasia.org). Arrangements by Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, Inc. 343-6023