Donald Cook J. Schell, Sr.

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Oppenheim – Donald Cook J. Schell, Sr., 64, of Oppenheim, New York, passed away unexpectedly Monday evening, May 8, 2023, at his home.

He was born on December 16, 1958, in Umatilla, Oregon and was the son of the late Edward and Edna (Rose) Schell, Sr. Cook moved to central New York when he was 14 years old and attended Richfield Central School.

A neighborhood baseball game started his relationship with Debra K. West. Years later, they were united in marriage on July 14, 1978, at her parents’ home in Richfield Springs, New York. This July they would have celebrated 45 years of marriage, where they raised their son, daughter and grandchildren in a loving home.

Cook is the owner and operator of D & D Enterprises in Oppenheim, New York, from 1985 to the present. His son DJ has worked alongside his Dad since the age of 12. Cook is proud that his son will carry on his legacy and continue to work hard for the business. He is a self-made man and takes great pride in the business he has built over the past 38 years.

Cook was a hard worker with many friends. He enjoys helping his friends and neighbors with their projects. There wasn’t a single piece of equipment he didn’t fix including working on his cranes. In the very little free time he had, Cook enjoyed fishing and spending time with his pets where he loved his three dogs but especially his cat, Bingo. If you’ve talked to him, you know that Cook loves to talk about politics and is Trumps #1 supporter. We hope Fox News reaches Heaven.

His most precious time was spent with his wife, children and six grandchildren. He especially wanted to see their report cards and pay them for their good grades. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and a hardworking selfless man, Cook will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debra K. Schell of the home; his loving children, Donald DJJ Schell, Jr.; and his wife, Emily and Jennifer L. Wood and her husband Torrey; his six beloved grandchildren, Alexis Wood, Madisyn Schell, Baylee Wood, Sydney Schell, Lauren Wood, and Devin Schell, all of Oppenheim, NY; sister, Donna M. Ackerson of Zephyrhills, FL; Edward C. Schell and his wife, Judith of Herkimer, NY; and Michael E. Schell and his wife, Maureen of East Herkimer, NY; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charlie West of Richfield Springs, NY and Teresa and Larry Suhocki of Richfield Springs, NY; longtime best friends, Wayne Ward and his wife, Cathy of Richfield Springs, NY and Alvin Flanders of Oppenheim, NY; many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Cook was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law, step-mother, Roberta Schell and three brothers-in-law, Theodore Ackerson, George West and Dale Noble.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, beginning at 1 pm at the Donald and Debras house at 6692 St. Hwy. 29, St. Johnsville, New York 13452. (Town of Oppenheim) At 2 p.m., relatives and friends will share memories, thoughts and words to honor Don’s life. If anyone wants to share a memory or tell a Cook story, you can do so at this time. All are invited to attend.

The family is being cared for by the Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York.

Please consider memorial contributions to the Oppenheim Volunteer Fire Department, 6786 St. Hwy. 29, St. Johnsville, NY 13452 and please note on check memo, In Memory of Donald J. Schell, Sr. for proper recognition of the donation.

To leave a message of condolence for the Schell Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or share a photo or memory for his memory book.

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