Donald C. Fillio

          Donald C. Fillio, 77, of Lee, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, with his children by his side, after a six-year battle with Parkinson's disease.

 Don was born on November 7, 1948, to Donald I. Fillio and Marjorie (Griffin) Fillio. He attended local schools and graduated from Lee High School in 1966. He went on to study at Berkshire Community College and the University of Massachusetts, earning a degree in Political Science in 1970. Following graduation, he began a long career at Mead Specialty Paper in Lee, where he worked as a Shipping Supervisor until his retirement in 2008.

 After being set up on a blind date by his future brother-in-law on New Year’s Eve in 1970, Don met Dawn Spaniol. The two were married at St. Stephen's Church in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on August 3, 1974, and together they welcomed two children, Matthew and Amanda.

 Don was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots, and he loved following the races at Saratoga Race Course. He especially enjoyed traveling to baseball games with his son and making trips to Las Vegas with his daughter and close friends. He spent several years coaching the Lee Little League Rexall Team, enjoyed golfing in the Friday night league at Greenock Country Club, and was an active candlepin bowler at Lee Lanes and Imperial Bowl. In retirement, Don enjoyed bartending at Greenock Country Club, working as a spa attendant at Canyon Ranch, picking up shifts at the Lee Package Store, and most of all spending time with his granddaughters. Don will be remembered for his quick wit, steady presence, and the love he gave his family.

 Don was predeceased by his parents and his in-laws, Edith and Bill “Noby” Spaniol. He is survived by Dawn, his wife of 51 years; his son, Matt (Danielle), of Lee; his daughter, Amanda (Nick Watroba), of Pittsfield; his granddaughters, Devyn and Ryleigh Fillio, of Lee; his brother-in-law, Bill Krebs (Joan), of Pittsfield; and his cats, Licorice and Shiloh.

 A funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Stockbridge on Friday, May 1, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private at a later date.  Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, April 30, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Kelly Funeral Home in Lee.

 In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society or Hospice Care in The Berkshires, in care of the Kelly Funeral Home 3 Main Street, Lee, MA  01238.