Mr. Donald Benjamin Kaupelis, Sr., 87, of Mc Queen Road, Amsterdam, New York passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 with his beloved wife Mary at his side.

Don was born and raised in Amsterdam, New York. He was the son of the late Benjamin and Clara Kaupelis. He was a graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. He later attended Siena College for accounting.

Don proudly served his country as a Naval Aviation Ordnance Officer from 1942 - 1946, serving during the Battle of Guadalcanal and earning the World War II Philippine Liberator Medal, the Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Following the service, he worked for American Locomotive, Breslaw's and John Hancock Insurance. He was the co-owner of the House of Furniture in Perth, New York.

He was a member of St. Stanislaus Church, the Loyal Order of the Moose, Cranesville Country Cousins and the Inman Seniors.

Don was an avid skier and fisherman. He built several boats for use at his Sacandaga camp. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling to Florida, cruising warmer climates, playing Bingo and driving his motorcycle to Lake George for pizza where he and Mary would sit in the park and listen to music. He took great pride in maintaining his 12.5 acres of land and relaxing by his pond.

He is survived by his cherished wife Mary Kosinski-Kaupelis who he married September 12, 1999, his son Doanld B. Kaupelis, Jr., Mayfield, New York; his daughter Kathleen Healy, Albany, New York; grandchildren Donald Kaupelis III, Ryan Kaupelis and Shane Healy; his sister Caryl Kaupelis, Amsterdam; step-sons Daniel (Perla) Kosinski, Illinois and William (Jennifer), Kosinski, Troy; step-grandchildren Shane, Shawna, Matthew, Angela, Ann Marie and Alan.

He was predeceased by his brother Robert Kaupelis.

The funeral will be held at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2012 at the Jendrzejczak Funeral Home 200 Church Street, Amsterdam, New York followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:15 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church with Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis, Celebrant. Interment with military honors will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 - 7 p.m. Friday, November 16 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny Corners Road, Amsterdam, New York 12010.

Please submit on-line condolences at www.jendrzejczakfuneral.com.