Donald J. Pritchard

Donald J. Pritchard, age 73, of Niles Road Ellicottville, New York died Saturday (October 17, 2009) at Buffalo General Hospital following a long illness.

Born on September 23, 1936 in Cattaraugus, New York, he was the son of the late Julian and Margretta Pritchard.

Mr. Pritchard was married October 1, 1977 in Salamanca, New York to the former Cathleen Corneluis who survives.

He was a graduate of Cattaraugus High School Class of 1954, and a Veteran serving in the United States Army in Germany. He was employed as a construction superintendent for over 40 years working with firms such as L.C. Whitford, Barnes Construction, and John Luther and Son. Among his various projects he was most proud of his work with the Olympic Bobsled run at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid. Other well known area structures include the Cattaraugus County Building and Jail in Little Valley, New York. The Olean Center Mall, Olean, New York, Jamestown High School, Jamestown, New York as well as building his own former home in Killbuck, New York.

Mr. Pritchard was the 1st Democrat mayor of Little Valley, New York serving during the early 1970’s and had recently served on the Zoning board with the Town of Ellicottville. He was a member of the Ellicottville Rotary, The Carpenters Union Local 66 where he had served as past President. He volunteered with the Salvation Army, Ameri Tool, and the Ellicottville Memorial Library. He also served as construction consultant with various Ellicottville homeowners associations.

He was a sports enthusiast who enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid golfer and member of Holiday Valley.

Surviving besides his wife are 3 daughters Pandora (Steven) Young, Prescott Valley, Arizona, Sonya (Kevin) Keenen, Little Valley, New York, Melanie (Darin Wiechman) Pritchard, Ellicottville, New York; 2 sons Major Donald J. Pritchard USMC, Jacksonville, N.C., Craig (Sharon) Pritchard, Staatsburg, NY; 10 grandchildren, 3 brothers Frank (Elizabeth) Pritchard, Oxford, FL, Kerry Pritchard, Summerfield, FL, Orv Pritchard, Titusville, FL; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday (October 20, 2009) at 1:00 P.M. in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Route 219 N Ellicottville, New York with Pastor William Kay officiating.

Full Military honors will be performed by the American Legion Post 659 Ellicottville, New York.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Donald J. Pritchard Mesothelioma Trust, c/o Five Star Bank and Trust 54 Washington Street, Ellicottville, New York.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com