Obituary of Donald F. Cady

JASPER: Donald F. Cady, 84, passed away early Monday morning, December 22, 2025 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pa. following an unexpected illness. Don was born July 11, 1941 in the former Bethesda Hospital in North Hornell, to the late Floyd S. and Mabel E. (Patrick) Cady. On March 24, 1964 in Greenwood, he married the former Onalee Pierce who survives and resides in (North) Jasper. They were married just shy of 62 years, and he never missed an opportunity to tell her how much he loved her. Don was a veteran of the US Army during the Vietnam War and served from 1963-1965. He had worked for 23 years at the former SKF Co. in Hornell and after its closing worked for the Steuben County Highway Department running heavy equipment where he especially enjoyed plowing snow. He could give you the best directions using every county route! Over the years coworkers became lifelong friends, many calling him “Dad”. In addition to his wife Onalee, Don is survived by his four children- sons Don S. (Bonnie) Cady and Douglas Cady (Hannah Eggleston) all of Jasper, two daughters Valerie (Hank) Williams and Victoria Cady (Randy Troxel) also of Jasper. He was a great Dad who worked tirelessly to make sure all the family’s needs were met. He was a jack of all trades and the first one to call with total reassurance that he could fix whatever problem you were facing. Be it an issue with a vehicle (for us overthinking daughters sometimes it was to just turn the radio up) to home repairs- be it a leaking pipe or a plugged one, electrical work or remodeling a room- you called him and he was there! He taught and showed us the importance of a good work ethic but even more to love hard and to show up for each other. Thank you dad! His Grandchildren, Don S. (Brittany) Cady Jr, Felicia and Jesse Cady, Denae (John) Wheeler, Mitchell Williams, Riley and Ashton Hunt and Madison Cady. Great grandchildren, Hunter and Aiden LaBarron and Brayden and Aubrey Cady. He loved the title of Grandpa/Great Grandpa. They were all his favorite! What the grandkids wanted the grandkids got. Making many special memories over the years with each of them. Forever in our memory will be last months Thanksgiving gathering at his favorite place to be.. the cabin. The grin on his face having us all together and how the grin got larger when we told him he started all of this! He is also survived by two sisters Linda (Steve) Williamson and Brenda (Jerel) Woodworth, sisters-in-law, Lisa Cady, Marian Rhude, Dorothea Gunn and Lois Raish, one brother-in-law, Warren (Sandra) Pierce. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother John Cady and his 4 legged companions- Toby and Bocephus. At Don’s request there will be no calling hours or service. A day of remembering Don will take place at the family pond at a later date. Because of his love for his pets, memorial contributions in Don’s name may be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd. Hornell, NY 14843. Arrangements are in care of the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.