Donald Francis Starkey

Donald Francis Starkey, a resident of Cold Spring, formerly of New Windsor and Yonkers, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026 at New York Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt Manor. He was 68.

Son of the late Donald G. and Marilyn (Fealy) Starkey, he was born on October 4, 1957. He was raised in Yonkers, where he attended St. Mary's Grade School prior to graduating from Saunders Trade and Technical High School. He later attended Westchester Community College, earning an associate degree in electrical engineering.

Donald dedicated his career to the U.S. Postal Service, having worked at post offices throughout the Hudson Valley, including New City, Milton, Gardiner, and Valley Cottage. At the time of his retirement, he was Postmaster of the Highland Mills Post Office. Don also enjoyed a 50 year part- time career with his good friend, Rick Riddick, with whom he installed steel casement windows.

Don loved being near the Hudson River, where he fished and hiked along its banks. He often said he lived in the most beautiful place in the world. His other hobbies included listening to live music, playing the guitar, genealogy, and cooking. Throughout his life, he enjoyed coaching baseball and football and was known to many as "Coach Don." He was a lifelong New York Yankees fan, but also cheered on some of his other favorite teams , including the New York Giants, New York Rangers, Minnesota Twins, Oakland Raiders, and Hudson Valley Renegades.

A major part of his life, for which he was very grateful, was his 26-year span of sobriety and active participation in Alcoholics Anonymous. Don's dedication to the organization was unparalleled, as he inspired and sponsored countless fellow Friends of Bill W. He was selfless in his service to others and always had his hand out to the newcomer. He will be sorely missed by many friends there.

He is survived by his loving partner, Diane Healy, at home in Cold Spring; his son, Donald Starkey of New Windsor; his sister, Karen Minichino & her husband Frank; his sister, Grace Bruno & her husband Steven; his brother, Vincent Starkey & his wife Lisa; his former wife and dear friend, Linda Lawrance & her husband James Matthews; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless other loving family members and friends. He is also survived by his steadfast sponsor of 26 years, "Canine Kenny." Finally, he leaves behind his well-loved pets, Mila and Tumbles.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved son, Thomas F. Starkey, in 2016, as well as his family's faithful companion, Baron, who passed away just last year. He was also predeceased by his loyal first sponsor, Ray.

Calling hours will be held from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, September 2 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. A funeral service will begin at 11:00am on Thursday, September 3 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in-the-Highlands, 1 Chestnut Street, Cold Spring, NY. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, 132 Union Avenue, New Windsor, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Christopher's Inn, P.O. Box 150, Garrison, NY 10524 or by visiting www.stchristophersinn-graymoor.org.

For online tributes, visit Donald's memorial page at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.