Obituary of Donald F. McFarland

Donald Fred McFarland of Burdett, NY, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at Schuyler Hospital. He was born in 1935 in Indiana, Pennsylvania, to Donald Fred McFarland, Sr., and Frances Risinger McFarland. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sarah Howell McFarland; daughter, Sarah Frances Ruth McFarland, Burdett; son, Frederic Howell McFarland (Martha), Wilmington, Delaware; two very special granddaughters, Ruth Glenn McFarland and Frances June McFarland, Wilmington; niece, Melissa Howell, Seneca Falls, and nephew, Howard Howell, San Francisco. Donald grew up in Detroit. He earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry at the Illinois Institute of Technology, a Master of Arts at the University of Michigan, Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees at Wayne State University. After earning his doctorate, Donald joined the faculty at the State University of New York at Fredonia. During his thirty-one years at SUNY Fredonia, he served as Chairman of the Department of Education, Professor of Science Education, Professor of Mathematics, and Professor of Computer Science. He also received post-doctoral Fellowships at New York University and Cornell University. Donald was interested in science fiction and history, computer technology, coin collecting, ballroom dancing, and classical music. He was an accomplished pianist who started lessons at age 4. Donald enjoyed international travel, especially train travel. A retirement gift from his wife in 1996 was a three-week train trip throughout Europe, including the Orient Express. He was a member of American Mensa, the Myrtle-Jefferson Masonic Lodge in Montour Falls, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a Life Member of the National Science Teachers Association. Donald served his country during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. According to his wishes there will be no memorial services. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery of Hector.