Donald R. Bigelow

Donald Raymond Bigelow, age 86, of N. Tonawanda, NY and formerly of Medina, died Monday, November 4, 2024, at home with his wife and six children by his side. 

Don was born on October 29, 1938 in Niagara Falls. He was raised in East Otto and attended school in Cattaraugus County. He went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1955-1958, honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. 

Don’s career with the railroad spanned 42 years with New York Central, Penn Central, Conrail and CSX. In 1989, he married the former Barbara (Seefeldt) Miller and together they lived on a farm on Ridge Road in Medina, a place beloved by their grandchildren. An avid gardener, he was best known for his strawberries and garlic. He taught his children the value of possessing a strong work ethic and a good sense of humor. After they retired, Don and Barb traveled every winter to Florida and enjoyed cruises in the Caribbean. Don and Barb also enjoyed volunteering together with their local church community at the Manatee RV Park in Ruskin, FL. Don was a proud member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen #421, Towpath Lodge #1193 F&AM, Butts-Clark Post #204 American Legion and was a Past-President of the Shawnee Volunteer Fireman Co. 

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 34 years, Barbara Bigelow; six children, Tina Davis, Laurie (Michael) Smith, Julie Bagley, Lisa (Dave) Rhoades, Marybeth (Paul) Kupiec and Paul (Diana) Miller; 16 grandchildren, Jacob (Alicia) Davis, Jordan (Tatum) Davis, Hannah (Dan) Reynolds, David (Ashley) Davis, Adam Smith, Richard (Emily) Smith, Bradley (Tiffany) Cheng-Smith, Stephen (Justine) Bagley, Matthew (Alyssa) Bagley, Max (Kristin) Hock, Al (Cat) Hock, Nate (Alisa) Dvarishkis, Cassie (Austin) Hock, Nitosha (Sean) McAndrew, Desiree (Brandon) Schroeder and Christine (Tom) Lovewell; 31 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren (with 2 more on the way); sisters-in-law, Linda (Dave) Fraiser and Pat Hinds; and brother-in-law, Roger Fryling.

Preceded in death by his two grandsons, Joshua Davis and Brandon Kupiec; siblings, Lynn Bigelow, Peggy Schwartz, Jerry (Bonnie) Bigelow and Janice Fryling; and brother-in-law, Doug Hinds. 

Calling hours will be held on Friday, Nov. 8 from 4-7PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. His funeral will also be held at the funeral home on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11AM. Interment with full military honors will be in West Ridgeway Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to Diamonds in the Ruff Animal Rescue, PO Box 332, Lockport, NY 14095 or www.diamondsintheruffanimalrescue.rescuegroups.org.