NEWMAN - Donald F. After a long illness; devoted husband of 58 years to Barbara (nee Lutz); dear father of Robert L., Thomas B. (Carol), James D. (Victoria) and Michael F. (Marcy); loving grandfather of Joshua, Marcus, Matthew, Gracie, Charlie, Max and Kylie; Mr. Newman also is survived by a brother Reginald (Reg) II, a sister Kathy Feld and four nieces and a nephew. Don's father Reginald B. Newman Sr. founded the R.B. Newman Fuel Company the predecessor to NOCO Energy Corp. in 1933. After serving in the United States Army, Don joined his father at the company in 1957 followed by his brother Reg in 1959; together they built the largest privately held fuels distribution company in Western New York and now one of the largest family-owned and operated companies in the region. Don served as Chairman Emeritus of NOCO Energy Corp. up until his death. He also served on the Western Region Board of HSBC USA and as a Trustee of Nichols School. He served on the boards of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation, WNY Broadcasting Association, Buffalo State College Foundation and the Hauptman Woodward Medical Research Institute. Don served as president of The Buffalo Club, the Country Club of Buffalo, the Rotary Club of the Tonawandas, the American Automobile Association Club of New York State and the American Automobile Association Club of Western New York. In 1992, Don received the The Sister Mary Mechtilde Memorial Award which is Kenmore Mercy Hospital's highest philanthropic honor. In that same year, Don and Reg were named Entrepreneurs of the Year by the Richard J. Whele School of Business at Canisius College. Don also received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship award which acknowledges individuals who contributed to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Don and Barbara were long-time supporters of the United Way, the University at Buffalo, Canisius College, Buffalo State College, Medaille College, the Albright Knox Art Gallery, WNED, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Buffalo Zoological Foundation, Buffalo Science Museum, the Bristol Home, Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Buffalo General Hospital and the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo. Don was a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. "A Celebration of Life" for Donald F. Newman will take place on December 20, 2015 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Country Club of Buffalo. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Don's name to the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns Foundation - Newman Fund at 54 Riverdale Road, Buffalo, NY 14207.

Published in the Buffalo News from Dec. 13 to Dec. 14, 2015