Donald Paul Garramone

– Donald Paul Garramone, 62, of Missoula, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 29, surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born on April 16, 1952, in Mahopac, New York, to Robert and Gertrude Garramone. Don and his siblings grew up in Lake Carmel, New York. Don's love for the outdoors began here, a small town built around a beautiful lake. He spent much of his youth outdoors, swimming and playing in and around the lake. After graduating from high school, Don entered the US Army and served his country as a carpenter in Alaska. Upon returning to New York, Don attended the State University of New York at Geneseo and graduated with a degree in teaching. He taught in New York for several years.
In 1979, Don traveled to Montana for a ski vacation and never left. He quickly fell in love with the area and settled in Missoula, where he resumed work as a carpenter. In 1984, Don returned to college in Bozeman, Montana, where he remained until 1987. He completed coursework for and received a Master's degree in Technology Education. Because of tight competition for Montana teaching jobs, Don returned to Missoula and resumed carpentry work, eventually opening Garramone Builders, a very successful remodeling and new home construction company. Don left his footprint on the Missoula Valley with many fine remodeled and new homes throughout the area.
Don played an active leadership role in the Missoula building industry during his career. He served on numerous boards and committees, and held many positions with both the Missoula Building Industry Association and the Montana Building Industry Association. He was chosen to restore the Prescott House, a University of Montana landmark, and he received many Missoula and State of Montana historic preservation awards for his remodeling efforts. Additionally, Don served on the Board of the Missoula Chamber of Commerce, was active with Missoula's Habitat for Humanity, and was a soccer coach for the YMCA.
Don had a passion for life which was expressed through many hobbies and interests. He loved to fish and swim in Montana's magnificent rivers. He truly enjoyed gardening and cooking. He shared many of his delicious meals and desserts with friends and colleagues. Don loved listening to and singing along with classic rock and was an avid reader. Don's greatest love, however, was bow hunting for deer along the Bitterroot River just outside of Lolo.
Don married Kathy in 2002 and they had a fulfilling life together. Their mutual love, respect and appreciation grew over the years spending time with family and friends, taking neighborhood walks, golfing with friends, attending Griz football games, traveling on hunting trips together, and various other activities.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Robert Francis, and his mother, Gertrude Ann. Survivors include his wife, Kathy; stepdaughter, Betsy (John) Rattler of Missoula; stepson, Luke (Cynthia) Thompson and grandson William of Hilo, Hawaii; brothers—Robert (Betty) of The Villages, Florida, and David (Chloe) of Norfolk, England; sisters—Linda (Butch) Alamia of Tivoli, New York, Donna (Bill) DeLynn of Rye, New York, Bonnie (Rex) Garramone of Clearwater, Florida, and Laurie Garramone of Johnstown, New York; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Don will be deeply missed. He was a kind, generous and passionate man who lived life with courage and zest. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the many people involved in Don's care—Dr. Scott and the nurses and staff at the Montana Cancer Center at St. Patrick Hospital, as well as Hospice of Missoula. Additionally, the family is grateful to friends and colleagues of the Missoula and Montana Building Industry Associations and the University of Montana who provided support and assistance while Don battled brain cancer during the last two years of his life.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov 6, 2014 at Garden City Funeral Home with a potluck reception to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in Don's name to Hospice of Missoula, 800 Kensington, Suite 204, Missoula, Montana 59801. All donations given help fund caregiving for hospice patients. Condolences for the family may be left at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.


Read Donald Garramone's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.