Donald “Donnie” Hamilton, 87, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on September 4, 2026, after courageously fighting a long illness. Donnie was a life-long resident of the Syracuse area. He was hardworking and dedicated his life providing for and protecting his family and serving his community. He was known for his generous spirit, his ability to make people feel welcome, and building relationships. Anyone who knew Donnie knew his love for boxing and politics.

Donnie joined the Syracuse Boys Club boxing team under Coach Terry Dundon, beginning a lifelong love of boxing. He admired Carmen Basilio, whom he met at the Main Street Gym in 1950, and learned from Basilio and Ralph DeJohn as he developed his skills in the ring. Donnie became a successful amateur boxer, fighting throughout Central New York a car accident injured his knee and ended his hopes of a professional career. Though a later comeback ended with another knee injury, his life in boxing continued. He became assistant head coach of the Syracuse Boys’ Club boxing team, sponsored by Friends of Boxing, and guided many local amateurs to titles. He was twice selected to coach the United States boxing team in international competition and later served as a referee at the War Memorial. He was a respected boxing historian and advisor to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, where he served as Vice President of the Board of Directors. Donnie received the International Boxing Hall of Fame Central New York Appreciation Award, the National Veteran Boxers’ Association Ring 76 Tony “Curly” Paris Memorial Award, and induction into the Syracuse Urban Sports Hall of Fame and the Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame.

Donnie retired from Onondaga County in 1997 after 35 years of service. He began in Facilities at the Sheriff’s garage in 1962, then transferred to the Health Department where he was promoted to Director of Physical Services, a position he held for 29 years. His work introduced him to County Executive John Mulroy, who hired Donnie to drive him to campaign events, sparking Donnie’s lifelong involvement in politics. He served the Onondaga County Republican Committee as Vice Chairman and advisor, and rose from City of Syracuse committee member to 19th Ward Chairman and Vice Chairman of the City Republican Committee. After moving to the Town of Onondaga in 1985, he joined the Town Republican Committee, served briefly on the Planning Board, and was elected to the Town Board in 1991, serving 28 years as Councilman before retiring from office in 2019. The Town Republican Committee elected him Chairman which he proudly served for 20 years until he stepped down in 2016. He was active in the West End Republican Club, serving on its Board of Directors and several terms as president. Donnie was honored by the Club with the several awards for his dedication to the Republican Party, his family and community, and the County Republican Committee honored Donnie with the Bob Giarrusso Memorial Award. He was inducted into the Onondaga County Republican Hall of Fame and received the Town of Onondaga Republican Committee’s John H. Mulroy Leadership Award.

Donnie was also an entrepreneur. In the late 1970s, he and his best friend, Bill Coon, founded Hamco Janitorial Services. The company grew quickly and was eventually sold to two employees. In 1985, Donnie and Bill, along with four friends, founded Central Locating Services, Inc. (CLS), which contracted with utility companies to locate underground wiring, gas, and telephone lines. CLS expanded nationwide before the partners sold it in 1997. Even in retirement, Donnie kept working, serving as Suit-Kote’s intergovernmental liaison and later managing Onondaga Commons, which housed Rural Metro.

Donnie served his community in many ways. He was a Founding Charter Member of Make-A-Wish Central New York and helped bring the chapter to the area in 1985. He was later named an Honorary Board Member and received the Cindy Award in 2010 for his outstanding service and devotion to family and community. Donnie was also active with the District Attorney’s Advisory Council, serving as past president and board member, and was recognized as a Charter Member in 1989 and with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 for 40 years of service. He also served on the YMCA Fundraising Committee, belonged to the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 1468 and the Valley Men’s Club, and served on several boards, including the OnCenter Board of Directors.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Nancy (Steingraber); his daughter, Donna Hamilton (Jerry Durham); his son, Donald [D.R.] (Tyra); his grandchildren, Laleak (Yetunde), Rosheia (Mar-Shelle) Church, and Sharon Hamilton; and his great-grandchildren, La’Nai, Marcel, Cataleya, Zuri, Zuriah, Sadelle, Nayellie, and Kaela; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Helen (Milligan) Hamilton McLaughlin; his stepfather Alvin C. McLaughlin, Sr.; his sister Beverly (Hamilton) Abreu; and his brothers Thomas Hamilton and Alvin C. “Butch” McLaughlin, Jr.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 4 - 7pm at Edward J. Ryan & Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13219. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10am at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 5108 West Genesee Street, Camillus, NY 13031.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Crouse Hospital 5 South for their care and compassion for Donnie, and to his caregivers at home who gave us a few more years with him - Andrea Sands, Michelle Sands, Annette Skinner, Tammy Pigula, and Audrey Franco.

It always brought joy to Donnie when he heard that a child with a life-threatening illness had his or her wish granted. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Central New York, 5005 Campuswood Drive, East Syracuse, NY 13057, or online at cny.wish.org.