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Donald Earl Fowler, 78, of Sarasota, Fl and
Cassadaga, NY passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026 in Hamot
Medical Center, Erie, PA. He was born in Dunkirk, NY on December 9, 1947 to the late Donald and Rosetta (Keppel) Fowler.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jean, and their blended family; Scott (Karla) and Christopher (Tiffany) Fowler, Tammy and Robert (Wendy) Russell, and grandchildren, Nicholas, Logan, Roman, Matthew, Bobby and Rosalie. He is also survived by sisters, Susann and Linda, brothers, Larry and David and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Don's passion in life was flying, having earned his private pilot's license at 18. He spent 9 years as a pilot in the Marine Corps followed by 28 years as a commercial pilot for Air Florida and Northwest Airlines. He retired from Delta Airlines at age 60 but kept his flight instructor's license current and certified pilots at both Sarasota and Dunkirk airports.
Following the Fowler family tradition, he owned and operated a Fowler's Taffy stand, most notably at the Wayne County Fair in Palmyra, NY. He was also the owner and operator of Fowler's Valley Shack in Sinclairville, NY for 5 years. After retiring he and his wife spent time traveling and RVing, seeing all the sights he had only seen from 30,000 feet.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1pm on
August 30 at American Legion Post 1280 in
Cassadaga, NY. Interment will be at the National Cemetery in Sarasota, Fl at a later date.