Donald Stillwaggon celebrates a milestone

By Alberto Gilman
Posted 11/16/21

On a brisk Tuesday evening, Cronomer Valley Fire Department tankers and engines with sirens blasting and lights flashing, made their way to the home of longtime resident and fire company member …

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Donald Stillwaggon celebrates a milestone

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On a brisk Tuesday evening, Cronomer Valley Fire Department tankers and engines with sirens blasting and lights flashing, made their way to the home of longtime resident and fire company member Donald Stillwaggon who celebrated his 100th birthday.

Stillwaggon was born in the Town of Newburgh to David and Mabel Stillwaggon who had moved up north from Flushing. He later graduated from Newburgh Free Academy.

Stillwaggon’s Printery was formed in 1900 and operated on the family property. Donald Stillwaggon ran and operated the business until the age of 89. His siblings, Ruth, Carl and Elbert, went on to own and operate businesses in the surrounding area till their passings.

Stillwaggon is a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Returning home from World War II, Stillwaggon married his wife Jeannette of 65 years, till her passing.

Stillwaggon served in the United States Army Air Corps, the United States Air Force and the United States Air Force Reserves. The Times also reported Stillwaggon was a former assistant chief, captain, lieutenant and fire police lieutenant within the Cronomer Valley Fire Department. Stillwaggon has over 80 years of service. Several members of the Stillwaggon family have served within the department like his late brother Carl.

As the trucks pulled up to the Stillwaggon residence, family and friends came out onto the porch and grass, gazing as the trucks came in. The honoree made his way out to the driveway, with the help of some of his relatives, as he was brought to the 1949 Mack truck that the department had driven over. Posing for several pictures with the fire company members, he got into the cab of the truck and drove around as part of his birthday celebration.

Prior to all the birthday celebrations, several company members shared their thoughts on the man Stillwaggon is: “He’s well known by everyone in the area,” Robert Quackenbush said. “He was very proud to serve his country.”

“I’ve only known Don about six or seven years that I’ve been here, but he was also a member of the fire police which I’m a member of the fire police too,” Alan Hamilton said. “Just a good man. He’s learned a lot and he shares those experiences.”

“I’ve personally known Don for 26 almost 27 years that I’ve been a member here. He’s a hell of guy and he’s definitely someone you want to look up to,” Richard Rahuba said. “I just think he’s an inspiration. He’s definitely a role model for the younger generation to look up to.”

“I’ve known Don for 25 years since I started in the fire department and I always enjoyed listening to him. He’s a gentle man,” Steve DeMarco said. “He’s got a lot of stories from World War II and it’s always a pleasure talking to him.”