He was born on January 27, 1945, in Manhattan, New York, the son of Anthony and Nellie Zukowski.
Donald served in the United States Army. He attended hairdressing school after his discharge, and worked as a licensed hairdresser before pursuing his first love, the food industry. He worked in several restaurant capacities, before opening the popular Dandy Don’s Dogs, a hot dog hamburger stand in Clinton for 16 years, until he retired. He and Jan raised Labrador Retrievers for many years, and retirement allowed him time for his dogs and pursuing his interest in political history.
He is survived by his longtime companion Janet Nolan of Clinton, and his brother Robert Duane and spouse Catherine of W. Springfield, MA., his niece Diana Coyne and spouse, David; nephew, Brian Duane; and grand niece and nephew, Sophie and Jason Coyne. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Arlene; and brother, James.
Burial will be private.