Donald R. Dauer, of Main St., Phoenix, NY, passed awaypeacefully at home on Tuesday April 17, 2018. Born September 23, 1926, he was raised by his parents Frank and Nellie Dauer in Syracuse. Donald was a graduate of Carson Long Military School in New Bloomfield, PA, and a
graduate of Kansas State University, belonging to Phi-Kappa Psi and Alpha Epsilon Rho, radio television honorary. He was a WWII veteran, serving in the U. S. Navy as a Petty Officer, in the Pacific and Chinese Theaters. Don joined the
elite group of seamen who obtained their “Seafarer’s License” crossing the International Date Line, on April 15, 1946. Donald started with WSYR AM/FM/TV in Syracuse
in 1952 as a Staff Announcer, he later served as Chief
Announcer and then Program Director. Retiring in 1990,
he hosted the morning drive RFD Show, which was a top
rated radio show for twenty years. He was very proud of
his relationship with his many thousands of fans, and the
public service his show provided to Central New York
listeners. He was also an avid outdoors man, enjoying
hunting, fishing, and his passion of clay bird shooting.
Every fall you could find him in the field with his beloved
English Setter, Chris, in pursuit of pheasants. Another
great joy was spending time with Barbara and his family
at their camp in the Adirondacks.
Donald received over 100 public service awards, and
over 40 honorary memberships in local sportsman’s clubs.
He was a former Trustee in the village of Phoenix, Charter
President of the Phoenix Lions Club; past President of the
Phoenix Rod & Gun Club (5 terms); past Secretary of the
Phoenix Public Library; past V.P. for Oswego County Health
Association; past V. P. Central New York Rod & Gun Club;
past President of CNY Trap League (7 terms) Life Member;
Amateur Trap Shooting Assoc.; Dewitt Fish and Game Club;
and Pompey Rod & Gun Club; past Chairman of the
Syracuse Chapter of Ducks Unlimited (5 terms). He was a
member of CNY Wildfowlers; Butterfly Waterfowl Assoc.,
Mexico; National Rifle Assoc.; Eastwood American Legion;
Phoenix American Legion; and the VFW Post 5540 Phoenix.
A member of Callimachus Masonic Lodge # 369 F & AM,
Phoenix; 32nd degree Scottish Rite, Syracuse; and the
Tigris Shrine, Syracuse. Donald was inducted into the NYS
Trapshooting Hall of Fame in 2017.
Donald is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Barbara
J. (Breman); a son Bruce (Cheryl) Dauer of Clay; a daughter
Cathy (Mark) Marsden of Queen Creek, AZ; grandchildren
Jessica Dauer of Clay, and Jennifer Greene (Peter) of Auburn;,
Christopher Nichols (Jessica) and Christina Nichols (Adam)
both of Mesa, AZ; several great-grandchildren; nieces and a
nephew.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no calling hours
or memorial service. Burial will be in White Chapel Cemetery,
Dewitt, with military honors.
Donations can be made to: Friends of Oswego County
Hospice, P.O. Box 102, Oswego, NY 13126 or a charity of
your choice.
Allanson-Glanville-Tappan Funeral Home, Phoenix, NY has
charge of arrangements.