Donald J. Lawton, Sr.

COLONIE – Donald J. Lawton, Sr., 85, of Colonie, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Don has been lost for the past ten months without his wife by his side, and he knew it was time to go home to the Lord and to be reunited with Ruth.

He was born in Albany and was the son of the late Michael and Elizabeth Brisee Lawton Sr. Don is survived by his children, Tammy (Gene) Hilstro, Pamela (Bryan) Danz, Donald (Sharon) Lawton Jr. and Sandra (Jeffrey) Burgess; 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is the brother in law of Patricia and William Flint. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Don loved spending time with his family and his best friend; his dog Teddy. He enjoyed being at home, having picnics in the yard and watching the Yankees and Giants on TV. He was a simple man who could have gone his entire life eating nothing but pepperoni and barbeque potato chips.

Don enjoyed trying to “fix” any electrical device he could get his hands on, before Ruth would say “Donald, don’t touch that”. He was great at enlisting the help of his sons-in-law to do projects around the house. He enjoyed being the supervisor, instructing them on how things should be done and then watching to make sure they did exactly what he said. Don made friends everywhere he went and will be missed by many.

Relatives and friends may visit with Don’s family on Saturday morning from 9 to 10 am at St. Clare’s Church, 1947 Central Ave., Colonie. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday morning at 10:00 at St. Clare’s Church. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com