Donald J. Saam

Donald J. Saam

FAYETTEVILLE/HORNELL – Donald J. Saam, 91 of Fayetteville, NC, formerly of Hornell, passed away on Sunday (Aug. 24, 2024).

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 34 years, Rosemary (Galbo) Saam and his son, Nicholas Saam.

He is survived by his children: Bill and Debbie Saam, with whom he lived in Fayetteville NC, Margie & Marc Rixford in Oakwood, GA, John and Sharon Saam of Huntsville, Ala, Kathy & Keith Wheelock of Biloxi, MS.  He also leaves behind his 11 grandchildren and their spouses, 16 great- grandchildren, brother-in-law, Peter Galbo, nieces & cousins.

Born on April 11, 1933 raised in “Pig Pen Alley” Susquehanna, PA, (living among his many aunts & grandmother).   Don moved to Hornell as a young teenager with his mother and stepdad, Cecil Husted.  At the age of 16 he began working and living on a dairy farm owned by Stanley Smith.  Don was a graduate of Hornell Senior High School, Class of 1951.

Stanley had a great influence on Don’s life and at age 20 enlisted in the United States Air Force spanning a 20 year career with his wife Rosemary & family.  They enjoyed living in different states and countries while adding five children to their family

Upon retirement from US Air Force in 1972 Don returned to Smith’s Stock Farm in Hornell for a few years before establishing Don Saam Insurance Agency.  Upon running a successful business, Don retired in 1997.

After Don lost his beloved bride in 1990, he began to travel often to visit his children in different states.  Especially supporting his military family members and attending their functions.  Don was a devoted family man who cherished time spent with his loved ones.  In 2000 Don moved to North Carolina where he resided with son Bill & Debbie Saam staying busy working with them in their Tent Rental Business.  He made many friends and acquaintances there also, and many enjoyed his “Goatisms”

Don enjoyed taking his kids/grandkids on adventures up the Erie Canal in New York, and South Carolina on his boat.  He enjoyed catching military flights from North Carolina to visit his daughter Kathy & family in Biloxi, MS to enjoy the casinos.

A lover of nature, he found peace and joy in the great outdoors, often sharing his passion for nature with those closest to him. He passed away leaving behind a legacy of service, love and dedication to his family which he loved dearly and will be forever missed.  A friend to many and also known as the “Ring Man” or $2 tipper.

Calling hours are from 4-6 p.m. Friday (Sept. 20, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 21, 2024). Committal prayers and interment, with full military honors, will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont. A luncheon will be held at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell after the services at the cemetery.

The services will be live streamed and may be seen either on the homepage of www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home for 30 days beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 21, 2024).

The United States flag and the Air Force flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Don’s military service.

In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org , Shriners Children’s Hospital, https://lovetotherescue.org or Liberty Hospice Services, 2334 South 41st St., Wilmington NC 28403 in Donald’s honor for their caring and compassion. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at funeral home and church.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Don’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Don are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.