Donald L. Amstead, Jr. 80, of Fox Hill Road, Monterey, died peacefully on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at Fairview Commons Nursing Home surrounded by his family.
Born in Great Barrington on December 25, 1935, he was the son of the late Donald Amstead, Sr. and Edna Soldati Amstead. Donald attended the former Corashire Center School in Monterey and graduated from the former Searles High School in 1955. He served in the National Guard from 1958-64. He married Patricia Ann Oates on February 27, 1960 in East Canaan, Conn. They were happily married for 54 years. Donald retired in 2001 as Highway Superintendent for the Town of Monterey. Prior to that he worked alongside his father operating the sawmill and logging for Charles Wyman’s sawmill, as a surveyor with Brown & Associates, for Hebert Construction, and as a carpenter with Roy Wilkinson. Don and Patsy raised their five children in Monterey. He enjoyed traveling to Vermont, Maine, and Canada with their camper, taking pictures of nature, telling stories, and spending time with family. He lived life to the fullest.
Donald is survived by his five children: Mark Amstead and his wife, Theresa, of Monterey; Keith Amstead and his partner, Karen Camp Zigmand, of Sheffield; Glen Amstead of Monterey; Scott Amstead and his fiancée, Vonda Kowalczyk, of Monterey; and Jill Hughes and her husband, Tim, of North Egremont. He is also survived by seven grandchildren (Taylor, Cody, Molly, Mitchell, Matthew, and Cheyenne Amstead and Caitlin Hughes); one great-grandson, Jordan Little, and another one on the way; his sister, Barbara Thorpe of Great Barrington; and his faithful canine companion, Mindy.
He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia, and his brother, Bruce Amstead.
A service celebrating his life will be held on Monday, June 13, at 10 a.m. at the United Church of Monterey, 449 Main St., Monterey, conducted by Rev. Liz Goodman, pastor.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 12, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME in Great Barrington.
Donations in Donald’s memory may be made to The Berkshire Humane Society through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family or sign the guestbook go to www.finnertyandstevens.com
Donald’s family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff at Fairview Commons for their care and compassion during his illness.
