Donald "Dinge" Tkacy

April 7, 1922 - March 18, 2020

Donald “Dinge” Tkacy, 97, of Hudson, passed away Wednesday March 18, 2020 under Hospice care at the NYS Firemen’s Home. Born April 7, 1922 in Hudson, NY, he is the son of Stanislaw and Mary (Skalaczka) Tkazch. A lifelong Hudson resident, Don was a 1939 graduate of Hudson High School, serving as class president. Don was Honorably Discharged from the United States Navy as an Aviation Ordinance Man having served tours in Africa and Okinawa. Earlier careers included working at Universal Match Corp., Pulver Gas and Oil, and Swiss Farms. Dinge was best known for his careers in local politics, from which he retired on December 31, 1995. Offices held by Dinge included Columbia County Coroner, Treasurer, Clerk, Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, Commissioner of Jurors, and 5th Ward Supervisor. Throughout his career in local politics, Don received many awards and accolades. He was a Communicant of Sacred Heart Church, and a member of its Men’s Club, Communicant of Holy Trinity Church St. Mary’s Parish, a member of CH Evans Hook & Ladder, Hudson Elks #787, The Federation of Polish Sportsmen, Kalicoonte Rod & Gun Club, American Legion, and Knights of Columbus. He was also an Honorary member of The Watertown Fire Department. Dinge was an avid NY Yankee and Duke basketball fan, an avid trout fisherman (fishing every day of the season if possible), he was an excellent dancer and enjoyed polka hops, listening to and singing to polka music, walks with his signature hat and lapel flower, playing euchre and penny ante poker, casinos and slot machines, horse racing at Saratoga, and in his younger years, small game hunting and ice fishing. Left to cherish Donald’s memory include his beloved wife Beatrice (Cripps) Tkacy, son Philip M. (Sherry) Tkacy, daughter Mary Tkacy (George) Duntz, grandchildren, Philip Tkacy Jr., Heidi Tkacy Gaschel (J. Thomas), Pamela Tkacy Jantz, Erik Tkacy, Karri Tkacy Nichols (Jason), Julianne Duntz, George Duntz Jr. (Kate), Katrina Duntz Sullivan (Austin), Christopher Duntz (Tiffany), and Gregory Duntz, along with 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his siblings Anthony, Walter, Frank, Joseph, Philip, Brun and Bronka (Betty). Private funeral services with burial in Cedar Park Cemetery were Monday March 23, 2020. A celebration of Don’s life will be held, with a date to be determined. Memorial contributions in Don’s name are encouraged to be made to the Firemen’s Home Activities Fund, as Don enjoyed Bingo and horse racing.