Obituary of Donald L. Stilwell

(ALBION) Donald L. “Captain Happy” Stilwell, Jr. age 59, died suddenly at his residence August 24, 2020. He was born August 6, 1961 in Medina to Donald and Annette (Piazza) Stilwell Sr. and was a life-long resident of this area. Don was a United States Air Force Veteran, a member of Holy Family Parish, had a gift for telling good stories, was a huge movie buff and loved all animals, especially his parrot “Cookie”. Don worked for many years as an asset protection specialist at the Albion Walmart. He was a kind and loving soul who truly put family first. He was loved by friends everywhere and was cherished by his nieces and nephews. Don will be missed by scores of friends he had made over the years. Mr. Stilwell was predeceased by his father: Donald “Bucky” Stilwell Sr. He is survived by his daughter: Bethany Stilwell of VA, his mother: Annette Piazza Stilwell of Albion, his brother: Bob (Jen) Stilwell of Albion, his sisters: Lynette (Greg) Prentice of AR, Stacey (Jim) Baker of Kendall, Amy (the late Corky) Parker of Medina, Allison (Jeff) Norris of IN, Nanette Steiner of FL, his long-time partner: Tonya Zambito and her son: Gabe Reynolds, as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Ave.-Albion, SUNDAY 12-3 p.m. only. Family and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial, MONDAY 10 a.m. in Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Church. (Face masks will be required at the funeral home and at the church and please use the East ramp entrance at church.) Private interment in St. Joseph’s cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: M.A.D. Rescue of WNY, 13869 Ridge Rd., Albion, NY, 14411.