December 28, 2015

Donald F. Michel, 76, Franklin St., Watertown passed away at his home on Monday, December 28, 2015.

As per his wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown.

Don was born in Utica on May 14, 1939, son of Fredrick F. and Rosella M. Zorn Michel and he graduated from Utica Free Academy. A marriage to Sharon Zeck ended in divorce. On June 4, 1971 he married Kathleen M. Gamage in Clay, NY.

For 20 years he owned and operated The Animal House on Arsenal St. He loved music, especially Rock 'n Roll, and animals. Don also enjoyed gardening and fishing.

Along with his wife, Kathleen, he is survived by his two daughters and their husbands, Cheryl and Jerome Murray, Utica and Kimberly and Craig Bohling, New Hartford; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren; brother, David and Sharon Michel, Vernon; and two sisters, Carol and George Nowicki, Utica and Janet Cwiklinski, N. Las Vegas, NV; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to either SPCA of Jefferson County, 25056 Water St. or Meals on Wheels, 247 Factory St., both in Watertown, NY 13601. Online condolences to Don's family may be made at www.cummingsfuneral.com