ALTAMONT — “Donald H. Scrafford, 96, peacefully passed on to Heaven on March 29, 2026,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He has gone to be with Bobbie, his wife of 64 years.”

He was born to Howard “Lee” and Fanny Scrafford on March 11, 1930, in Schenectady. He graduated from Draper High School and joined the Navy in 1948, where he served for four years on the USS Fisk, the USS Midway, and the USS FDR.

“Don married Barbara Zamjohn in 1952 and together they raised four children in Altamont,” his family wrote. “Don had various employment experiences including selling insurance and working as a very skilled carpenter.

“In 1975, Don started MediCab of Albany, a transportation company for the disabled and people in wheelchairs. Many family members, friends and people in the Altamont area worked for MediCab. Upon his retirement, sons Dave and Dan continued to operate the business until 2021.

“In his retirement, Don enjoyed woodworking in his shop in the barn, playing golf and the saxophone (a gift from his children for his 80th birthday).

“In 2025, Don was honored in several ways for his military service. In October, Don was awarded the National Defense Service Medal from the United States Navy, and he was awarded the Cold War Recognition Certification from the Division of Military and Naval Affairs of the State of New York.

“Don also received an incredibly beautiful quilt from Quilts of Valor in a ceremony in November. And most recently, Hospice gifted Don a beautiful lap blanket through its We Honor Veterans program.

“Don and Bobbie were very active in St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Altamont, Christ’s Church in Guilderland, and Community Fellowship Church at Princetown.”

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Donald H. Scrafford leaves behind his sons, David (Jeanne) and Daniel Scrafford and his daughters, Cindy (Larry) Cornaire and Donna (Todd) Chardeen.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kristen (Shaun) Wellert; Jonathan (Maria) Scrafford; Timothy (Susanne) Cornaire; Trisha (Chet) Gwozdz; and Nathaniel Cornaire.

He is survived, too, by his great-grandchildren: Xander and Oliver Wellert; Stella, Hazel, and Owen Gwozdz; and Tucker and Darcy Cornaire. Also surviving are several cousins and many nieces and nephews.

“Don will also be very much missed by his special friend, Wanda Neale,” his family wrote.

His wife died before him, as did his parents, and his sister, Lois Patterson. 

A celebration of life will be held at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at 140 Maple Ave. in Altamont at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice; St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 140 Maple Ave, Altamont, NY 12009; Christ’s Church Guilderland, 52 Corporate Cir suite 215, Albany, NY 12203; or Community Fellowship Church at Princetown, 3616 Currybush Rd, Schenectady, NY 12306.