Obituary of Donald McCune

Donald A. McCune, a long-time resident of Scotia, passed away on November 18th in Spokane, Washington at the age of 79. Don was born on December 26, 1932 in Terre Haute, IN but it was not until 22 years later that Dr. McBride's mistake on the birth certificate showing December 27 was discovered. Don lost his argument that he should have two birthdays. Don graduated from Wiley High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Rose Hulman Institute. Don joined the General Electric Company on the Engineering Test Program. This was temporality interrupted to fulfill a two year Army ROTC obligation. Don completed a nuclear engineering master degree level course at the Oak Ridge School of Reactor Technology. While at Fort Belvoir, VA, Don worked on design specifications for a portable, skid-mounted nuclear power plant until his discharge. Don rejoined the GE Company at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory ( KAPL) as Mgr Experimental Reactor Control Device design. Don was granted a patent in the Government's name, for a fast neutron detector for use in sensing pressure vessel damage. Don retired from KAPL in 2001 as Program Manager for decommissioning Naval Reactor's Training Facilities. Don stayed active in retirement, volunteering at Ellis Hospital for years installing Life Line in patients' homes and aiding patients in the radiology department. For 56 years, Don was married to Joan McCune until her death in 2010. Don & Joan had three children, Greg, Tim, and Mark and six grandchildren. Don's most passionate hobby was amateur radio; he made contact with operators from every country in the world except for three. He also enjoyed playing golf, traveling with Joan, and grilling steaks on Saturday nights. Don was such a kind-hearted and gentle dad, husband, and friend. He will always be loved. He is the loving father of Gregory Allen McCune of Denver, CO, Timothy Scott McCune (Mary Christine) of Germantown, MD and Mark Joseph McCune (Anne) of Spokane, WA; cherished grandfather of Curt, Lindsey, Spencer, Connor and Andrew McCune. There are also several nieces and nephews. Burial will be conducted at the convenience of the family at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Glenville, NY. There will be no wake services.