Donald L. Pachoud

Donald “Pachy” Lee Pachoud, age 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday January 29, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, NY. He was born in 1942 in New Haven, New York, to Donald and Arlene (Hutchinson) Pachoud. Pachy lived in Palermo, NY all his life.

Pachy spent most of his life working in the woods. He was a logger for many years with Bob Johnson Logging and later owned and operated Pachy’s Firewood. He eventually retired as a mechanic from Great Lakes Veneer. Known for his strong work ethic and generous spirit, Pachy was always willing to help anyone in need—whether it was welding a piece of equipment, cutting down a tree, or fixing whatever someone brought into his garage.

Above all else, Pachy cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Friday and Saturday nights often found him at Brewerton and Fulton Speedways, proudly watching his granddaughter, Amy Holland, race. He enjoyed deer hunting, working on race cars, and volunteering at the Boonville Woodsmen’s Field Days with the New York State Timber Producers. One of Pachy's most enjoyable hunting seasons was when he harvested a deer in Steuben County in 1984. The deer got him into the New York State Big Buck Club. In earlier years, Pachy raced Polaris snowmobiles for the Pardee Brothers (John and Loomis) in Cicero, New York between 1969 and 1974.

He is survived by his beloved dogs, Patti and Bandit; his children Kelly Darling of Oswego, Diane (Frank) Pitcher of Fulton, Robert (Michelle) Holland of Fulton, and Steve (Phyllis) Holland of Alabama; sons-in-law Burdette MacDougall of Alabama and Art Durivage of Florida; 17 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Diane Pachoud of Liverpool, Barbara Pachoud Waldron of Liverpool, Judy (Nelson) Dolbear of Fulton, and Joy (Dale) Klinger of Pulaski; brother-in-law Thomas Hable of Florida; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pachy was predeceased by his wife of 33 years, Pauline Pachoud; his parents; his sister Jean Hable; his daughters Joyce MacDougall and Trudy Durivage; his son-in-law Colin Darling; and his grandson Heath Pitcher.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Donnie Dolbear, Pachy’s nephew, for always being just a phone call away and for his help whenever it was needed, and to Donnie’s friend Matt Stevenson for his assistance. Special thanks are also given to Pachy’s sisters, Diane and Barb, for being faithfully by his side during his hospital stay. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors and nurses at St. Joseph's Hospital Staff in section 1400 for their compassionate care and support during his final days. A special thank you to Chris and Eric for going above and beyond to ensure Donald's comfort, dignity and support.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM services immediately after at Foster Funeral Home, 910 Fay Street, Fulton, New York, with a spring burial planned at Maple Lawn (Dugway) Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Pachy’s memory to the Palermo Fire Department, 4170 State Route 3, Fulton, NY.