Donald Lester Coene

Donald Lester Coene of Chestnut Ridge, NY, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on October 11, 1937, he was the beloved son of the late David J. Coene, II and Laura (Bradley) Coene.

Don lived his life with a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and the great outdoors. He found joy snowmobiling through winter landscapes, deep-sea fishing on open waters, and spending summers camping at Lake George and at his cherished Bernie Camp in Upstate New York. He was well known in the community as the owner of Pearl River Chevron in Pearl River, NY, where he greeted generations of customers with warmth and integrity.

A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Don treasured every moment spent with his family. He is survived by his children: Donald Lester Coene, Jr. (Mary), Lori Anne Mertes (John), Scott Thomas Coene (Vicky), Dawn Vecenia Jansen (George), and Charles Edward Coene (Melissa).

He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Allison, Sara, Laura, Dana, Matthew, Tina, Marie, Heather, Jenna, Scott Jr., Nickel, Jesse, Bryan, and Jordan; and by his great-grandchildren: Brielle, Mackenzie, Nicholas, Madison, Allie, John, Joseph, Jackson, Sophia, Hannah, and Dean. Don also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Marie Elizabeth (Pitt) Coene and second wife, Donna Welchman Coene; and his brothers, David J. Coene, III and Adam Coene.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 1, 2025, from 2–4 PM and 7–9 PM at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Rt. 59, Suffern, NY 10901. Funeral Service will take place Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Airmont, NY.

Some family will be sitting Shiva on Wednesday and Thursday, from 7–9 PM, at the home of Charles Coene, 218 Willowood Drive, Wantagh, NY 11793.

Donald Lester Coene will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, generous heart, dedication to family, and the countless lives he touched throughout his long and full life. His memory will live on in all who loved him.