Donald J. Slingerland

Cohoes

Donald J. Slingerland, 92, formerly of Colonie and Ballston Lake, NY, passed away Tuesday November 3, 2026, at the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center Community Living Center in Albany, NY. Don was Born in Selkirk, NY, son of William F. and Barbara (Porter) Slingerland.

Don graduated from Albany Business College. Attended the Cornell University School of Labor Management at SUNY and also completed a two-year Transportation Management program at Russell Sage College.

Don served in the Army National Guard 1952-1955, and then enlisted in the Army 1955-1957, artillery tank division, Specialist 4th class, Fort Devens. After his honorable discharge he continued to serve in the Army Reserve 1957-1960.

Don entered the Transportation field, working for a few trucking companies where he excelled in both his managerial and sales positions before becoming the owner of his own Transportation Brokerage Company. He was a former member of the Board of Directors for the Capital District Transportation Association, served on the Energy Task Force of the Colonie Chamber of Commerce, and past president of the Hemophilia Association of the Capital District. Don devoted his spare time with the Malta Political Committee.

Don was actively involved and past President of St. Francis DeSales Athletic Association coaching all of his children's sports teams, both Little League and Pop Warner. He was extremely proud of all his grandchildren and their accomplishments, trying to attend as many of their sporting events as possible. He also enjoyed watching the NY Yankees and Kansas City Chiefs. His favorite players were Aaron Judge and Patrick Mahomes.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother William Jr.

Don is survived by his wife Joan (Placido), his children; Diane (Mike) Quirk, Jay (Caroline), Jeff (Laura Lalak), Jon (Kathy) Slingerland. Also survived by seven grandchildren; Kevin Quirk, Kyle, Connor, Ryan, Olivia, Alyssa and Alex Slingerland and one great grandchild Kaine Slingerland. Also survived by his twin brother Ronald Slingerland, sister Marcia Hougtaling, and several nieces and nephews. A special thanks to the entire VA Community Living Center staff for the exceptional care they provided Don during his stay. They became an extended family of Don’s and treat and love all the veterans under their care as family. 

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd., Watervliet, New York on Tuesday November 10, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A funeral service will follow the calling hours at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. Entombment will follow the service at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, New York at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York 1003 New Loudon Rd, Cohoes, NY 12047

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