Donald Newton '52

Donald Newton, a member of the Rush-Henrietta Class of 1952, retired from the working world after a long and distinguished career in public service. A common thread in his efforts, both volunteer and paid, is that he worked to make Henrietta a better and safer place for all.

In 1952, when he was just 18 years old, Mr. Newton visited the Henrietta Volunteer Fire Department and signed up for what would become a lifetime of duty. With dedication, perseverance, and old-fashioned hard work, he advanced through the ranks. He became a fire chief and later served as a fire commissioner. When he reached 35 years of active-duty service, the fire department honored Mr. Newton for his unyielding commitment to protecting his hometown. He remains a life member of the East Henrietta Fire Department.

In addition, the town of Henrietta employed Mr. Newton between 1955 and 1963. He worked for the highway department, doing roadwork and driving a snowplow in an effort keep the community safe. He left to work for the Mobil Oil Co., where he stayed from 1963 to 1989. For 23 years during the time he worked for Mobil, he also drove a school bus for the Rush-Henrietta Central School District. Many former students will remember him as a driver who safeguarded students on many of the late runs and sports teams’ trips.

Mr. Newton retired to Florida 20 years ago, but returns to his summer home in Scottsville each year. He has continued his service to the community by volunteering as a course marshal at the Wegmans LPGA tournament in his hometown. “He has given his time and heart over the years to making Henrietta a better place to be,” says his daughter, Denise Shuart, a member of the Class of 1974. “He is a person I look up to and admire.”