Altamont-
Dana J. Gillenwalters, 65, passed away on Sunday, August 14, 2022, after battling a long illness. Born on March 11, 1957, in Tupper Lake, NY to Shirley and the late William Gillenwalters, he was a graduate of Clayton A. Bouton (Voorheesville) High School & the Modern Welding School. Dana was such a gifted welder that the owners of the Modern Welding School hired him as an instructor & sold him the school ensuring its commitment to high standards. The Modern Welding School, Inc. flourished under Dana's ownership, expanding & receiving many accreditations & awards.
He always dreamed big & was born an entrepreneur, as a child he made & sold maple syrup alongside lifelong friends. He was a successful, sponsored snowmobile racer winning many races throughout NYS. Dana loved life, hosting clam bakes, Long Lake, fishing, the NY JETS, NASCAR, gambling & his Sigma Kappa Delta fraternity brothers. Dana's greatest love was his family, friends & Stitt Rd.
Dana is survived by his wife of over forty years, Lynn (Harding) Gillenwalters; his children Lisa (Glenn) Chandler of Guilderland, DanaLynn (Ken) Canell of NC & John Gillenwalters of Altamont; grandchildren Bailey, Dylan & Evan Chandler & Kaiden Canell. He is also survived by his mother, Shirley Gillenwalters & siblings David (Diane) Gillenwalters, Debra (Ronald) Holcomb, Craig (Connie) Gillenwalters, Mark (Julie) Gillenwalters; many nieces & nephews; cousins & Aunt Jean & Uncle Skippy.
Visitation will be held on Sunday August 21 from 1pm-4pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd, Colonie NY
A celebration of Dana's life will be held next year.
Donations made be made in Dana Gillenwalters' name to the Northeast Kidney Foundation, 23 Computer Dr E Ste 2, Albany, NY 12205