Donald J. Sabin, 93
Dan McClelland
Donald J. Sabin, age 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. He was born October 4, 1930 in Tupper Lake, the son of Lawrence “Mike” and Agnes (Staves) Sabin. A 1948 graduate from Tupper Lake High School, Don continued his studies at LeMoyne College until he was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.
Don married his high school sweetheart, Marlene LaPorte, at St. Alphonsus Church on June 1, 1952. He followed his father in the electrical trade, working first with the family business and then joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) as a journeyman and then local business manager. Some of the construction projects he worked on: the St. Lawrence Seaway, Reynolds Aluminum & Chevrolet plants in Massena, the George Washington Bridge, the Astoria Power Plant in Queens, NY, and Paul Smith’s College, are to name a few. In 1969, the family relocated from the Adirondacks to Maryland when Don was appointed to represent the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (AFL-CIO) in the Washington D.C. office. He was Assistant to the International President and was assigned to handle questions/problems concerning the obligations of local officers, appeals, elections and the filing and processing of charges. He had to ensure that proper protocols were followed in accordance with the IBEW Constitution, as well as relevant laws and policies.
Don believed in community involvement and was clearly civic minded. In his earlier Tupper Lake years, he was a volunteer fireman (along with his father and brothers) for 15 years, a Knights of Columbus member, and also served on the Tupper Lake Central School District - Board of Education. In Maryland, he was active as a hockey coach, a religious instructor at Sacred Heart Church, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was appointed as Grand Master for the Knights of Columbus, Washington, D.C., and in 1979, proudly led the procession at Saint Matthews Cathedral for Pope John Paul II’s visit to the United States. Upon his retirement in 1992, Don and Marlene returned to Tupper Lake where he continued his community service. A member of Sunmount’s Board of Visitors for years, he was an advocate on behalf of the rights and best interests of persons with disabilities. Dedicated to the Knights of Columbus, he actively recruited new members, and he also supported the Marine Corp League at the VFW. Similar interests kept him busy during the winter months in Port Charlotte, FL. As the President of the Fire Club, he continued the fundraising events that were developed to assist park residents with necessary medical equipment. The success of those fundraising events was instrumental for creating a Veteran’s Memorial, at Maple Leaf Estates, honoring all services of the armed forces both in the United States and Canada.
His family was his first priority, and he loved to travel. With his children residing throughout the country, he easily traveled much of the United States for visits and reunions at National Parks. Highlights from his trips abroad were, Germany in 1990 after the wall came down, London, Paris and the beach of Normandy. He actively followed politics from the local to the national level. Don enjoyed a good game of cards, along with trips to the casinos, and always looked forward to his McDonald mornings, and routine stops to the Post Office and Shaheen’s.
He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Marlene, three daughters Lynn Sabin of Port Charlotte, FL, Katherine (Ray) Woodford of Syracuse, NY, Diane (Tom) Denneny of Sterling, VA, and two sons John (Terri) Sabin of Haywarden, IA, Paul (Teresa) Sabin of Tacoma, WA, and daughter-in-law Earlene Sabin of Fort Walton Beach, FL; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two brothers and their wives, Richard “Dick” and Theresa “Tootsie” Sabin of Tupper Lake, Gary and Mary Sabin of Farmington, NY, and one sister-in-law, Carole (LaPorte) Carrillo of Syracuse, NY and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is predeceased by his son Michael in 2016, sister Nadine in 1998, and two brothers Ted in 1993, and Robert in 1940. Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 23 at the Frary Funeral Home in Tupper Lake from 3-5 pm. A burial Mass and graveside service will be held in May 2024. In honor of his memory, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tupper Lake Fire Department, P.O. Box 849, Tupper Lake, NY 12986 or Mercy Care for the Adirondacks, 185 Old Military Road, Lake Placid, NY 12946.