Donald H. Wilsey MD

Donald H. Wilsey, MD Gloversville Donald H. Wilsey, MD, 91, passed away peacefully at home on August 23, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Don was born on March 22, 1930 in Gloversville, NY to the late Arthur Wilsey, MD and Mildred Kuhn Wilsey. He was a lifelong member of Foothills United Methodist Church. A 1947 graduate of Gloversville High School, Don also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Union College where he was an active member of Delta Phi fraternity (“one of the first three fraternities in the country,” he was fond of saying). Following his graduation from Union in 1951, Don earned a Masters degree in Education from Columbia University. In addition to being an English fanatic, always referring to the dictionary, Don was also educated in Latin, French, German and Spanish. He later went on to Upstate Medical University in Syracuse to pursue his lifelong passion and become a physician. During an internship in Buffalo, Don met the love of his life, Joyce Randolph. Don and Joyce were married in 1959 and lived in New York City until 1963 after Don completed his residency. They returned to Gloversville where they raised their three children. Don began to practice medicine with his father at 25 First Avenue, in the same house where he grew up. Dr. Wilsey was a prominent physician in Gloversville for forty two years and delivered over 5,000 babies at Nathan Littauer Hospital. Don lost his first wife, Joyce, way too soon in 1974. They were a match made in heaven and it was love at first sight. A few years later, he was blessed to find his second wife, Darla Nigro, with whom he enjoyed thirty three wonderful years of entertaining family and friends and traveling until her passing in 2011. Throughout his life, Don was an avid lover of sports. Though he never weighed much over 170 pounds, he held the GHS record in the discus for twelve years and played fullback on his high school and college football teams. He was captain of the track team in college, and played on the undefeated 1951 Union College football team. Don loved being outdoors, from his early years playing ball in the side yard with his friends to YMCA camp to his lake house on the Sacandaga. He took great pride and joy in his yard; passers-by often noticed how much time he spent mowing the lawn and tending to the landscaping. Some of Don’s favorite pastimes included dancing, drinking Manhattans, sharing his knowledge of grammar, playing the piano and searching for the ever-elusive perfect setting on the thermostat. Don will be remembered for his strong work ethic, words of wisdom, humorous one-liners and easy going nature. He made a lasting impact on the many lives he touched and will be an incredible role model to his family for generations to come. He was a kind and gentle soul. He was predeceased by his brother A. William (Joy) Wilsey and his sister Joan (Milford) Clemons. Dr. Wilsey is survived by his three children Elizabeth Dobbie, Christopher (Robyn) Wilsey, and Linda (Steve) String; as well as by four step-children Thomas (Kathy) Nigro, Michael Nigro, Tammy Purdy and Tara (Paul) Goliber, along with seventeen grandchildren (Melissa, Scott, Lauren, Tyler, Broden, Katie, Matthew, Emily (Justin), Steven (Jolene), Brett, Eric (Amelia), Marc, Todd, Kirstin, Kaylynn, Kendall and Nicholas) and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, and brothers / sisters-in-law. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, August 28, 2021 from 9 am - 12 pm at the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home at 111 County Highway 106 (Corner of Rt. 29 and Black Street) Johnstown. A memorial service will follow at 1pm at Foothills United Methodist Church, Gloversville officiated by the Reverend Brad Chesebro assisted by Cindy Van Allen. In continuing his dedication to education and medicine, Don has donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Program at Syracuse. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), Nathan Littauer Hospital Foundation (nlh.org), or Foothills United Methodist Church (foothillsunitedmethodistchurch.org).

Donald H. Wilsey MD

March 22, 1930 - August 23, 2021

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Donald H. Wilsey MD

March 22, 1930 - August 23, 2021

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support