WELLSVILLE – Donald R. Covell, 76, passed away on Friday (June 4, 2021) at Jones Memorial Hospital as a result of a short illness.
Mr. Covell was born in Jamestown on Aug. 11, 1944 to Ralph Lawrence and Ellen (Stone) Covell and grew up in Scio. He was a 1962 graduate of Scio Central School. He received his Associate’s Degree from Alfred State College in 1964. Don enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1965 – 1969. On Nov. 18, 1967, in St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wellsville, he married the love of his life, Dawn M. Reed who survives. Following his military service, Don worked as an application engineer for Dresser-Rand in Wellsville for more than 40 years, retiring in 2016.
Along with his wife of 53 years, Don is survived by two daughters, Tracey (Denny) Glass of Wellsville and Kathleen (Charles) Cowley of Waterford, Pa.; one son, Gregory Covell of Scio; 12 grandchildren, Mikayla Yanda, Benjamin Glass, Joshua Glass, Abigail Glass, Katelyn Glass, Ellen (Raphael Doyle) Rogers, Alicia (Jacob Kaufman) Rogers, Conlin Rogers, Beverly Rogers, Kaya Covell, Bryson Covell, and Vivian Covell; two great grandchildren, Lincoln Yanda and Emerson Doyle; special friends and turkey hunters and fishing partners, Jim and Sandy Cooper; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Don was preceded in death by his brother, David Covell.
Don was an early riser, usually before the sunrise, because he just loved being up before things became hectic. He savored his morning cup of coffee and peanut butter toast. In the summer time, his children had the weekly reminder of his early morning routine as they frequently were awakened by his mowing outside their bedroom windows. Don’s grandchildren loved waking up to the smell of his coffee brewing, knowing that “Bompa” would be making their favorite pancake breakfast and singing his whimsical songs.
Don gained great pleasure in being outdoors and enjoyed hunting, especially turkey hunting in the spring. Don’s all-time favorite activity was camping. He and his family spent the summers at Rushford Lake where he delighted in fishing and boating and sharing both activities with his children and grandchildren. A special family memory is the “famous” camping trip where the tent poles were left behind, but Don improvised by tying the tent to nearby trees. It worked and no one had to miss the fun just to go back for poles. He was a long-time member of the Scio Lions Club.
Don loved his family dearly and they knew they could always count on him. He was always available to help them in any way he could. His deep love for his wife Dee was a great example and special blessing to his children.
Friends are invited to call on Wednesday (June 9) from 6-8 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville/Scio. A funeral service will be held on Thursday (June 10) at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Marc Chamberlain of Genesis Bible Church officiating. Burial with full military honors will take place immediately following the service at Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Don’s name may be made to the Hart Comfort House of Allegany County, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895 or to the Scio Memorial Library, 3980 Main Street, Scio, NY 14880. © 2021 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
