HOPEWEL JUNCTION –Donald Allyn Way, 80 years old, a native and lifetime resident of Hopewell Junction, passed away with his family by his side at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie on February 6, 2011.

Don was born in Poughkeepsie on January 29, 1931. He was the only child of Allyn and Ethel Way. He went to school at the little school house on Beekman Road, which burned down several years ago. He graduated from Wappingers Central High School, where he enjoyed being a Drum Major for the band.

Don was in the Army and served his duty in White Sands Proving Ground in New Mexico during the Korean War.

Don worked for Central Hudson during the summers. He later joined IBM Corporation where he was employed for 44 years.

Don enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and golfing, as well as watching NASCAR whenever he could. He was the Southern Dutchess Golf Champion in the early 1960's through the Dutchess Golf & Country Club.

While working full time and raising his family, he devoted his time to the Town of East Fishkill as the Chairman of the Recreation Department for 28 years, and then a Town Councilman for 12 years. He was honored when they named the road entering the Recreation Area, "Donald Way Boulevard" on September 26, 2009.

Over the years, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Mid-County Improvement Association, the Hopewell Cemetery Association, a lifetime member of the Whortlekill Rod & Gun Club, and a lifetime member of the Hopewell Hose Fire Company. He was a member of the Hopewell Reformed Church since childhood.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 50 1/2 years, Marjorie, of Hopewell Jct.; his beloved daughter, Michelle Way DaSilva and her husband John of Bristol, Rhode Island; and his grandchildren, who always brought a smile to his lips and a sparkle to his eyes, Melanie & Kyle DaSilva.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A celebration of his life will take place at The Hopewell Reformed Church on Thursday at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Hopewell Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Dutchess Dialysis Center, Attention: Dr. Meera Lobo, MD, 432 South Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Please specify "The Donald Way Fund" since contributions will be used to assist with patient transportation to and from the center.

For driving directions and online condolences, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.