Donald Michael "Don" Slate passed away at Buffalo General Hospital on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at the age of 72 following a brief illness.
Don was born on Jan. 13, 1942 in Brocton, NY, son of the late Frank Sr. and Beatrice (Sclafani) Slate.
He grew up in Westfield where he graduated from Westfield Central School in 1960. He was in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves from 1963 to 1969.
Over the years, Don has owned and operated several businesses in Fredonia, including The Terminal Cab Co. and Fredonia Texaco. He sold insurance for Prudential and Tremaine Insurance. He owned the East Main Liquor Store before he moved to Virginia in 1994. While in Virginia, he owned and operated Island Golf & Games, Ship to Shore Restaurant and a Sally's Pizzeria in Ocean Breeze and Virginia Beach.
Don loved to golf and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was very proud of the hole-in-one plaque that he received. He held many positions in local social organizations over the years in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area and most recently was the treasurer for the residents council at the Chautauqua County Home where he lived for the last 3 years.
Don will be missed by his four children: daughters Dianna (David) Stanton of Fredonia, Denise (Greg) Magnus of Ocala, FL and sons Dr. D. Michael (Rosie Molik) Slate II of Buffalo and Darren Slate of Charlotte, NC. Don was very proud of his grandchildren Kristen, Kylie, Luke and Justin. He is also survived by his two brothers, Timothy (Susan) Slate of Fredonia and Edward Slate of Westfield; and many nieces and nephews.
Don was predeceased by a brother, Frank Slate Jr.; and two sisters, Virginia Slate and Mary Ann Slate Jeffries.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association WNY Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6 Williamsville, NY 14221.
By the Observer
