Donald I. Williams

Donald I. Williams “The Civil War Undertaker” After a short illness, Don completed his life all too soon on April 19, 2018. Predeceased by his parents Irving and Julietta Williams, and canine companions Gretel, Mitzi, San-Dee, Jessica and Gulliver. He is survived by RuthAnn Morgan-Williams; Sister, Laraine LaRose of Virginia; Sisters-in-law, Deanna Morgan, Nancy (Martin) Burns of Nevada and Patricia Kattner of Wisconsin; Brother-in-law Thomas Morgan; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless friends in the re-enacting community. Don was the co-owner of Plantation Antiques and Collectables (a vender within McKays antiques in Caledonia, NY), the Civil War Consultant to the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston, Texas, President of the 140th New York Volunteer Living History Organization (a civil war re-enacting group), Board of Directors Member for Rush-Henrietta Athletic Association, a Son of Union Veterans, a Mason of Spencerport Unity Lodge # 479, and a Committee Member of Ducks Unlimited Rochester Chapter. He was also a past member of the Henrietta Volunteer Fire District (Genesee Valley section), and Past Director of Brighton Ambulance. Don loved American history, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with his Dalmatians. But most of all Don loved and will be remembered for years to come for his portrayal as “the Undertaker” (scoundrel of a Field Embalmer) at Genesee Country Museum’s Civil War Event in July. For the past 25 + years he educated people on the embalming practices during the 1860s and the early practices of what eventually become the funeral industry. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends, but especially by his many fellow re-enactors. At Don’s request a mid-19th century memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2018 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home, 2125 Chili Avenue. A Mason’s service will be conducted at 7:00 PM with the 19th century memorial service to follow. Interment will be private at White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to Lollypop Farm, Scottsville Animal Hospital or the Gettysburg Foundation.