Donald Jay Spitzer

He was a graduate of Clymer Central School, Allegheny College and the Simmons School of Mortuary Science. He had been a partner with his father, Clarence Spitzer in the Spitzer Funeral Home of Clymer and Sherman from 1950 to 1964, at which time he owned the firm until his retirement in 1987.

He was a member of the Chautauqua County, New York State and National Funeral Directors Association. He was selected into membership of the National Selected Morticians in 1960. Mr. Spitzer lived in Sherman, N.Y., and was active in the Sherman Community Church. He was the organist for 38 years, a member of the Norton-Raspas Post American Legion, Olive Lodge No. 575; AF&AM; Jamestown Consistory; former member of Chautauqua Chapter-American Guild of Organists; Board of Trustees Corry Memorial Hospital for 13 years; Red Cross Area Chairman for 32 years.

After retirement, he volunteered at the WCA Hospital in Jamestown, N.Y., Westfield Memorial Hospital and worked several summers at Chautauqua Institution. He was an Army Veteran of WWII. In 1994, he and his wife, Nyla moved to Williamsburg, Va., and became active in Williamsburg United Methodist Church, the choir and United Methodist Men.

He volunteered at Williamsburg Community Hospital, Eastern State Hospital and Colonial Williamsburg. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nyla; and their son, Van J. Spitzer. Survivors include a son, Eric J. Spitzer; daughter-in-law, Linda Leave; grandsons, Brent L. and Jonathan M. Spitzer; and a brother, Clarence Spitzer Jr.

A funeral service, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Bill Jones, will be held 10 a.m. Friday, June 30, 2017, at Bucktrout Funeral Home, Williamsburg. Interment will be held at a later date in Clymer, N.Y.

Arrangements by Bucktrout Funeral Home and Crematory, Williamsburg, Va.