Donald E. Erath

Donald E. Erath a lifelong resident of Grahamsville , NY passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2014 at the Catskill Regional Hospital . He was 94 years old. Donald was born on February 19, 1920 in Grahamsville; he was the son of Albert and Lottie (Gesner) Erath.

As a young man Don worked in the tunnels of the New York City Water Supply System. He married Loretta Low on December 30, 1967. She passed away in 1999. For most of his life Mr. Erath was a florist having owned Don’s Flower Shop in Ellenville. He was a well known for his floral design talents and was a respected man throughout the community. Following the sale of his business he continued working for various local florists and greenhouses. He was member of the Grahamsville Reformed Church where he attended services for over 90 years.  It would not have been unusual for many years to see Don mowing the church lawn, manually pumping the pipe organ, or lighting the fires on Saturday night for the Sunday morning service.   Don was a member of the FFA Alumni Association was an avid gardener.   

Donald is survived by his sister, Jeanette C. Erath; his nephew, Bruce (Kathleen) Erath of Sherburne , NY ; his niece Laurie (Frank) Mansfield of Palm Bay, Florida.

In addition to his wife Loretta, Don was predeceased by his brother A. Oland Erath.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 11th at 11:00 AM at the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery. There will be a gathering in the Grahamsville Reformed Church Hall following the graveside services.

Arrangements are under the direction of Loucks Funeral Home, 79 N. Main St. , Ellenville , NY . 

www.loucksfh.com

Contributions may be made in Donald’s name to the Grahamsville Reformed Church, PO Box 238 , Grahamsville , NY 12740