FRANKFORT, N.Y. - Gordon H. Donahoe, a retired dairy farmer and registered Holstein breeder from the town of Litchfield, N.Y., age 78, peacefully passed away at his home on May 10, 2011 following a long illness with Parkinson's. He was born in Ilion, N.Y., the son of Homer and Doris Rose (Wheelock) Donahoe on August 24, 1932. He graduated from West Winfield Central School Class of 1950 and married Nancy Hansel in Richfield Springs, N.Y. on August 24, 1964. He was a partner in Don-Dale Farms with his father, brother, Glenn, and son, Jeff for a 50-year farming career. His love for cows, especially Holsteins, drove his daily business routine, community involvement and social activities. These leadership activities included the OHM Holstein Club, NYS Holstein Association, Herkimer County Dairy Promotion, Amer. Dairy Assoc., and Dairy Herd Improvement. His special recognition received included the NYS Master Holstein Breeder Award, a national convention delegate for the NYS Holstein Assoc., the Herkimer Co. Silver Cow Award, and numerous milk production and cow type awards. Many Don-Dale cows were exported to farmers coast to coast and throughout the world. Gordon served on the Sauquoit Valley Insurance Board from 1967 through 2009. He enjoyed good cows, good auctions and good times. He is survived by his wife and four children, Jeffrey (Audrey) Donahoe, Frankfort; Debbie (Dale) Windecker, Frankfort; Tammy (Art) Graves, Richfield Springs; and Cindy (Jeff) Allen, Leondardsville. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; Arnold, Tom, Rick, Allison, Sam, Seth Donahoe; Kayla, Bryce Windecker; Brogan Graves; Abigail, Owen Allen; and two great-grandsons, Collin and Colton Donahoe. He leaves one brother, Murray (Marsha) Donahoe, Weedsport. He was predeceased by his brothers, Glenn and Bradley. He leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Gordon will be held on Saturday May 14, 2011 at 11am at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc. 100 Otsego St. in Ilion, with Dr. Roger Klossner officiating, interment will be in the Kinne Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday May 13, 2011 from 6-9pm and 10-11am on Saturday May 14, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers friends are asked to consider memorial donations to Kinne Cemetery or your family cemetery.