Donald Ray Borden, 74, died on Sunday, June 21, 2026. He was born in Buffalo on April 18, 1952 to John and Lois Borden.
Don was the loving husband to Pamela for over 26 years. He was the devoted brother to Susan Marie Borden and Gail (Edward) Dahlke; uncle to Erika Braun and Kristen (Jesse) Kozlowski; great-uncle to Noah Braun; stepfather to Adam (Karen Siedlecki) Burgoon; and grandfather to Gwendolyn and Griffin Burgoon.
How do we say goodbye to our beloved Don? Friend to all, his greatest gift was his generosity. Fun-loving, and a bit of a rascal in his younger days, he shared his love of life with all of us. A harder working man could not be found.
Don was a mechanical wizard and could fix almost anything. He was devoted to his family and always there for them.
Don attended Lancaster High School and worked at Gateway before moving to Jamestown and opening Don's Car Wash, which later became a gas station, convenience store, bakery, and more! After he sold his business to his "adopted son," Jay Bowen, Don opened a chain of can redemption centers in Erie County. Don was the epitome of an entrepreneur, always finding a way to make things work.
Don loved football and was a Bills season ticket holder for over 40 years. He was a dedicated golfer and loved to fish. Don was always helping others and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the example he set as a first-class human being.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 25 from 1:00-4:30 PM at Rotunda Grapevine Railroad Farm, 307 East Main Street in Fredonia. Don wanted a party, so let's celebrate him together! Please RSVP (all guests) at www.online-tribute.com/DonaldBorden, so we have enough food and beer!
Arrangements are being handled by the Nightengale Funeral Home in West Seneca.
