MASSENA – Donald G. “Donnie” Morrell, 62, of 142 North Main St., passed away early Monday morning, December 31, 2012, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer; a battle that he fought dearly with a smile.

Donnie was born October 2, 1950, in Massena, a twin son of the late James M. and Gertrude M. “Trudy” Legault Morrell. He graduated from Massena High School in 1968 and attended a trade school to become a mechanic. On February 23, 1969, he entered the US Army, where he served until going into the US Army Reserves. He was honorably discharged from the Reserves on September 24, 1980. On January 16, 1970, he married the love of his life and best friend, Linda J. Monacelli at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Lockport with Rev. Joseph H. Penkoul, officiating.

Donnie worked as a mechanic in the industrial services for over 40 years, working for Ford, General Motors and most recently Alcoa. Donnie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved spending time with each of them. Whether it was sharing a casino machine or camping with his wife, helping build or remodel his children’s homes, or watching his grandchildren play sports; he cherished every moment with them. He also enjoyed hunting, watching his beloved Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees or the Montreal Canadiens play, and when he was younger coaching his children’s sporting teams. Donnie was a communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a member of the Gerald R. Roy AMVETS Post #4, and was a former member of the Massena Rescue Squad, where he served as president.

Donnie is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 42 years; his three children; Angela and Donald Ward of Northport, FL; Donald Jr. and Cerena Morrell of Clay, NY; and James and Dori Morell of Massena; ten grandchildren, Britney, Kayla, Kylie, Bailey, Zachary, Elizabeth, twins Connor and Cassidy, Nicholas, and Olivia; four great grandchildren, Alexis, Brianna, Matthew, and Amelia; and was anxiously awaiting the birth of his fifth great grandchild, Ciara Don.

Donnie is also survived by his sister, Janet and Scott Hazel; two brothers, Robert and Maureen Morrell, and his twin, Ronald and Helen Morrell, all of Massena, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will also be missed by his extended family of chosen brothers and sisters, Joseph, Bonnie, Larry, and Steve.

Donnie was predeceased by his parents, his mother-in-law, Gertrude Pidgeon, and his sister-in-law, Diane.

Friends may call at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM, where members of the AMVETS will meet at 7:15 for a memorial service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. Scott D. Fobare, celebrating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215 for cancer research.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.donaldsonfh.com.

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