Obituary of Donald Francis Birch

Donald Francis Birch, 79, of Glenville passed away peacefully on January 17, 2017 with his loving family by his side. Born in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of John and Dorothy (Darling) Birch. His family moved to Mariaville, NY where he attended school and worked on nearby farms in the Schoharie and Gallupville area. As a teenager, Donald played football and ran track at Schoharie Central School. After his education, he became employed at Cummins Motors where he overhauled engines and transmissions. Donald soon after opened his own shop on State Street in Schenectady, Don’s Transmission and Engine Services. Don used his labor skills on bridge construction for the Adirondack North way from 59’ to ’65. From 1965 to 1985, he worked on truck lines for CONDEC Mobile Equipment. After CONDEC, Don moved to Brownsville, Texas to build buses for Adirondack Tours and Kenny Roger’s Tour Bus. In 1990, Don moved back to the Schenectady area to work as the plant manager of NOVA bus. When NOVA closed, Don became the Assistant Plant Manager at Super Steel until its closure. Throughout Don’s impressive resume, he was also the proud owner of the Saw Mill Tavern, located in Schenectady’s Little Italy area. For nearly 40 years, Don Birch’s Saw Mill has been a popular bar in the area. Don was an avid motorcyclist ever since the age of 14; his bar brought the biker community together. Don was passionate about giving back to his community. Don always thought of others and would help anyone in need. For 31 years, Don and the Sawmill served free buffets every Sunday. He also organized annual Toys for Tots fund drives and bike runs for homeless veterans and Schenectady's City Mission. Donald is predeceased by his children, Allan Francis Birch, Kimberly Diane Birch and Terry Birch. Survivors include his sons, John Donald, Donald J. Birch and Gary Birch; daughters, Laura, Kari and Dawn; the loving mother of John Donald, Barbara Ebert; sister, Betsy Birch of West Berne, NY; grandchildren, James, Donald, Timothy, Rebecca Birch, Karla, Rebecca Gorsin, John, Luke and Hunter; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Don will forever be remembered by his community and the lives he has touched through his generosity and friendship. Calling hours will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road in Glenville, NY, on Sunday, January 22nd, from 1 to 5 PM. A funeral service will commence at 1PM on Monday, January 23rd, at the Glenville Funeral Home. A funeral procession will follow to Donald’s final resting place at Parkview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made towards John Donald's college fund. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com <iframe id="tukios_player_512x330" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="330" scrolling="no" src="https://www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/5HNJ4Y2JR8CQ2SZN" width="512"></iframe>