Don Fordham, 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (June 9, 2010) at Auburn Memorial Hospital, following a lengthy illness.
Don was born and raised in Brockport. He attended the State University of New York at Brockport, where he earned two Masters Degrees in History and English.
Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in French Morocco and North Africa. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he began his teaching career at Union springs Central School. He taught there for 34 years and during that time, directed many memorable spring musicals. He retired form teaching in 1988.
Don is also remembered as the voice of "Polka Party" on WAUB. At one time, his was the longest running ethnic program in New York State. During his many years on the radio, he was a popular speaker and Master of Ceremonies. Don was a man of many talents, including being a gifted violinist.
He was active in the Elks Eagles, V.F.W., SK Posts and was on the Board of Directors for the SCAT van. He was also an honorary member of the Hibernians and the Polish Falcons, always proud of the fact that he was the first full blooded Englishman to be a member of the Polish Falcons.
He is survived by his loving companion of 30 years, Dolores Mott, who also became his devoted caregiver for the last several years; two daughters, Candace (Gerald) Acierno of East Amherst, Anita (John) Babiarz or Waterloo; and their mother, Margaret Fordham; five granddaughters, Michelle and Jennifer Acierno and Elizabeth, Colleen and Amy Babiarz.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Blanche (Renne) Fordham.
Don was born and raised in Brockport. He attended the State University of New York at Brockport, where he earned two Masters Degrees in History and English.
Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in French Morocco and North Africa. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he began his teaching career at Union springs Central School. He taught there for 34 years and during that time, directed many memorable spring musicals. He retired form teaching in 1988.
Don is also remembered as the voice of "Polka Party" on WAUB. At one time, his was the longest running ethnic program in New York State. During his many years on the radio, he was a popular speaker and Master of Ceremonies. Don was a man of many talents, including being a gifted violinist.
He was active in the Elks Eagles, V.F.W., SK Posts and was on the Board of Directors for the SCAT van. He was also an honorary member of the Hibernians and the Polish Falcons, always proud of the fact that he was the first full blooded Englishman to be a member of the Polish Falcons.
He is survived by his loving companion of 30 years, Dolores Mott, who also became his devoted caregiver for the last several years; two daughters, Candace (Gerald) Acierno of East Amherst, Anita (John) Babiarz or Waterloo; and their mother, Margaret Fordham; five granddaughters, Michelle and Jennifer Acierno and Elizabeth, Colleen and Amy Babiarz.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Blanche (Renne) Fordham.
Don Fordham, 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (June 9, 2010) at Auburn Memorial Hospital, following a lengthy illness.
Don was born and raised in Brockport. He attended the State University of New York at Brockport, where he earned two Masters Degrees in History and English.
Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in French Morocco and North Africa. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he began his teaching career at Union springs Central School. He taught there for 34 years and during that time, directed many memorable spring musicals. He retired form teaching in 1988.
Don is also remembered as the voice of "Polka Party" on WAUB. At one time, his was the longest running ethnic program in New York State. During his many years on the radio, he was a popular speaker and Master of Ceremonies. Don was a man of many talents, including being a gifted violinist.
He was active in the Elks Eagles, V.F.W., SK Posts and was on the Board of Directors for the SCAT van. He was also an honorary member of the Hibernians and the Polish Falcons, always proud of the fact that he was the first full blooded Englishman to be a member of the Polish Falcons.
He is survived by his loving companion of 30 years, Dolores Mott, who also became his devoted caregiver for the last several years; two daughters, Candace (Gerald) Acierno of East Amherst, Anita (John) Babiarz or Waterloo; and their mother, Margaret Fordham; five granddaughters, Michelle and Jennifer Acierno and Elizabeth, Colleen and Amy Babiarz.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Blanche (Renne) Fordham.
Don was born and raised in Brockport. He attended the State University of New York at Brockport, where he earned two Masters Degrees in History and English.
Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in French Morocco and North Africa. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he began his teaching career at Union springs Central School. He taught there for 34 years and during that time, directed many memorable spring musicals. He retired form teaching in 1988.
Don is also remembered as the voice of "Polka Party" on WAUB. At one time, his was the longest running ethnic program in New York State. During his many years on the radio, he was a popular speaker and Master of Ceremonies. Don was a man of many talents, including being a gifted violinist.
He was active in the Elks Eagles, V.F.W., SK Posts and was on the Board of Directors for the SCAT van. He was also an honorary member of the Hibernians and the Polish Falcons, always proud of the fact that he was the first full blooded Englishman to be a member of the Polish Falcons.
He is survived by his loving companion of 30 years, Dolores Mott, who also became his devoted caregiver for the last several years; two daughters, Candace (Gerald) Acierno of East Amherst, Anita (John) Babiarz or Waterloo; and their mother, Margaret Fordham; five granddaughters, Michelle and Jennifer Acierno and Elizabeth, Colleen and Amy Babiarz.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Blanche (Renne) Fordham.
Bio by: Rev. Terry L. Hurlbutt
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