Obituary of Donald A. Failing

Mr. Donald A. Failing, 87, of Abbott Street, Fort Plain, NY died on January 26, 2023 at Bassett Healthcare of Cooperstown surrounded by his loving family, following a long illness.

He was born in Town of Minden, NY on August 29, 1935, the son of the late George Failing and Lula Williams Failing, both who predeceased him. 

Mr. Failing has attended Fort Plain Area Schools.

He had most recently worked at the Johnstown Knit, while some people will remember him working as a Fort Plain Police Officer, or at one of the many other jobs he had in the local area, but he spent most of his working career working for Valley Cable, Canajoharie, NY.

He lived his entire lifetime in the local area, and enjoyed watching wrestling, playing poker, camping and building huge bonfires.

On June 9th, 1973 in Palatine Bridge, NY he married Mila Horning. 

He was predeceased by his siblings, Bob, Mick, Katherine, Blanch, Chuck, Marty and Skip. 

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mila Failing; daughter Becky and her husband James Skinner; Son Donald "Skip" Failing; Brother Neil and his wife Mabel Failing; grandchildren Tania (Shawn) Kilmartin, Jeremy (Jesse Grant-Skinner, Donald (Dawn) Failing, Eric Failing, and Gabrielle Failing; great grandchildren Ethan,  Avalon, Italia, Jaden, Emily, Daniel, Maddison, and Noah; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. and Mrs. Failing also had helped for over 25 years as foster parents for many children and teenagers, and would like to remember all of those children at this time also. 

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Gray-Houghtaling and Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339.

Anyone wishing to send a memorial contribution in his memory please consider the Fort Plain Fire Dept., 168 Canal Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339.