LAGRANGE – Donald A. Doney, 85, died on November 15, 2018 at home surrounded by his family.

Born on January 15, 1933 in Mine Hill, NJ, Donald was the son of the late Clarence and Kezzie (Reeves) Doney. Mr. Doney served in the US Navy during the Korean War on the submarine, USS Hardhead, which was part of the sub squadron 10 assigned to the USS Fulton. He was also a part of the mission that mapped out the first route under the polar ice caps.

After completing his tour of duty in the military, he went to work at Reaction Motors, which later became Thiokol Chemical, and worked in research and development on rocket engines including the X-15 which was used to maneuver rockets in orbit. He also worked on the engine for the first rocket ship ever built in the United States. After working several years in aerospace, Mr. Doney applied for a position with IBM and was assigned an engineering job at IBM in East Fishkill. While at IBM, he earned several patents. He stayed there for 24 years until his retirement in 1992.

An active outdoorsman, Mr. Doney belonged to the Mid-Hudson Beagle Club. He volunteered at Guiding Eyes for the Blind where he gave guided tours of the Patterson Facility and worked in the whelping kennel. He raised several litters of puppies which later went on to become guide dogs. He was avid woodworker and enjoyed making antique furniture reproductions.

Mr. Doney is survived by his children, Donna Hitsman and her husband John of LaGrangeville, Susan Tignor and her husband David of Tappahannock, VA, Katherine Barrett of LaGrange, and Caroline VanTassell and her husband Kevin of Hyde Park; his grandchildren, Jennifer Murphy, Donald and Daniel Hitsman, Reina Baas, Michael Barrett, Kevin Fairbairn, Christopher and Justin Barrett, and Charles VanTassell; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Joanne Doney who passed on February 6, 2012 after 56 years of marriage.

Calling hours will be held on Monday from 10 am – 12 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The funeral service will be held on Monday at 12:30 pm at the Hopewell Reformed Church, 143 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction.

Donations may be made in Mr. Doney’s memory to the Hopewell Reformed Church or Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown Heights, NY. Please visit his Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.

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