Donald R. Monchino
October 15, 1947 ~ September 25, 2023
Donald Robert Monchino, age 75, of Newburgh, N.Y. died on Monday, September 25, 2023, after a long illness, at Garnet Medical Center in Middletown, N.Y. He was born on October 15, 1947, in Jersey City, N.J., the son of Dominick and Gloria Monchino. Don married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia Monchino (Birkenstock) on December 14, 1968. He honorably served his country after enlisting in the United States Navy. He was a proud combat veteran of the Vietnam War, patrolling the rivers of Vietnam in a Patrol boat, and served for three years and nine months. Don earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Don was employed for over 30 years with the New York State Thruway Authority beginning his employment as a tugboat operator and then becoming a traffic investigator. Don investigated some of the most serious accidents on the Thruway from his offices in Tarrytown and later in Newburgh. He was recognized by the New York State Police and the Thruway Authority in 2002 for his distinguished service to the State of New York. Don loved camping, fishing, his beloved canine companion Bella, and working around his children's homes - literally fixing everything. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and teaching them what it is to be a good person. Don was an excellent builder; carpenter; electrician; plumber; mason and jack of all trades. Don volunteered his many talents at the Newburgh Animal Shelter repairing and fixing the shelter.

Don is survived by his daughters, Nicole (James) Farrell, and Khristin (Thomas) Canavan; his grandchildren Douglas Farrell and Kelsey (Michael) Farrell-McBroom; Lindsey, Kaylee, Carly, and John Canavan; a brother Michael (Donna) Monchino and several nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents Dominick and Gloria Monchino and the love of his life, his wife, Cynthia Monchino to whom he was married for 43 years upon her passing; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Janna Birkenstock.

Visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Home on Saturday, September 30 from 11 AM - 1 PM followed by a graveside service with military honors at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Don's memory to the Alzheimer's Association at act.alz.org. The family would like to thank the staff of the Sullivan County Adult Care Center at Sunset Lake and the staff of Garnet Hospital for the care and compassion they showed Don.