Donald L. Newton, Jr., “Paco”, age 71, of Franklin, died Friday, July 11, 2025 at The Sugar Creek Care Center after a brief battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
Born March 6, 1954, he was a son of Donald L., Sr. and Loretta C. Callahan Newton.
On August 10, 1991 Donald married the former Susan Hays, who survives.
A graduate of Cranberry High School, he continued his education at Clarion University earning his Bachelors Degree in Rehabilitation Science.
Mr. Newton was a Peacetime US Navy Veteran serving as a Boatman.
He was employed by Venango Training and Development Center, where he enjoyed working withDevelopmentally Disabled Adults.
Donald enjoyed fishing, sport shooting, yearly Trout Camp, and was a practical joker. He was in theUtica “Green Jacket” Golf league and previously played guitar in the Lewd Dudes local rock band.
Surviving is his wife, Susan Newton of Franklin; six children; Erin Belaski and husband Brian of
Washington County, PA; Brandy Cherry and husband Michael, Sr. of Cooperstown; Heidi Phillips of Franklin; Christopher Newton of Pittsburgh; Chad Phillips and wife Ashleigh of Cooperstown; Kevin Newton of Camp Hill, PA; two brothers; Brian and William Butterbaugh both of Pittsburgh; many grandchildren and a niece. He cherished the time spent with all of his cousins over the years.
Mr. Newton was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and a brother.
Funeral services are private and have been entrusted to the Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, PA. Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Donald’s Book of Memories online at www.warrenfh.com.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Utica Volunteer Fire Department, 3860 Academy Street, Utica, PA 16362.

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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Donald L. Newton, Jr. 's name.
Utica Volunteer Fire Department
PO Box 83
Utica,
Pennsylvania
16362
So sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with your Family. Worked with Don just a nice and funny guy.
His friend forever Mike Henderson From sleepy hollow
I met Don while working at VTDC. He loved to have fun and had the staff’s backs when things got tough. He had great get-togethers on the weekends where everyone could sit back and relax and enjoy each others company. He would always get his guitar out and start playing around the fire which lasted into the wee hours. He will be missed!