Donald H.  Bikowsky

 

Munnsville-Donald Henry Bikowsky, 78, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Waterville Residential Care Center, with his loving family by his side, following a brief illness. 

He was born in Oneida on October 8, 1945, son of the late Henry and Bernice Maine Bikowsky.  He was raised on the family farm on Cole Street in Munnsville. As the son of a farmer, Don learned many skills that would be with him through his life including dedication to farming and family.  He was a graduate of Stockbridge Valley Central School.  He furthered his education by attending and graduating from the New York State Bureau of Municipal Police Academy located at Mohawk Valley Community College. Don served the residents of Madison County as a Madison County Deputy Sherriff.  Don proudly and faithfully administered his duties for 32 years.  He served as a mentor to many a new Deputy Sherriff Trainees. Many, who served with Don, always knew that he always had your, “back.” Don retired in 2008. “Being Don,” he married his soulmate Kristy Kampf in Stockbridge on April 13, 1990, which also happened to be Friday the 13th.  Prior to Don’s police career, he had been trained as a skilled butcher and worked at the former Oriskany Falls Slaughterhouse.  Following his police retirement, he returned to his profession as a butcher, working up to his illness forced his complete retirement. From his youth, Don had always been an avid outdoorsman and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  Many a deer or turkey fell prey to Don’s expert marksmanship.  He hunted many fields to include the “Big Sky” country of Montana.  When he was not hunting, Don would always be fishing, with either a rod and reel or a bow and arrow.  Carp were his favorite catch, and he was able to spear them with his bow and arrow. His “man cave” holds a treasure of many big game hunts, as trophies. He was a certified and licensed Hunting Guide by the New York State Environmental Conservation Department from1997-2002. Don felt blessed to have his grandson Dylan, always at his side.  He made sure to pass his life skills on to his grandson, including respect for the land, safe hunting skills, and most of all, gun safety.  He and Kristy enjoyed their family retreat home on the Saint Lawrence River.  Many a great family memory was made at the river.  Don did have a “softer side,” and in his retirement, made sure he watched the daily saga of the soap operas, “The Young and the Restless,” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.”  Don had been a member of the Oneida Moose Lodge and an Honorary Member of the Munnsville American Legion.  Don held a deep affection for his constant canine companion Tukker. Don did definitely travel the “highway of life,” and he leaves a lasting and enduring memory of all that loved and lives he touched.

 

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Kristy his; his two stepchildren, that he cared and loved as his own, Kelli Bikowsky and Joanne Nassif of Clinton, Philip and Teresa Bikowsky of Madison.  He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Douglas (Duke) and Margie Bikowsky of Hamilton; sisters-in-law Mary Bikowsky of Madison and Susan Bikowsky of Minnesota.  He also is survived by his three grandchildren: Dylan Bikowsky, Kaylee Bikowsky, and Wilson Bourgeois all of Madison; and three nieces and two nephews.

 

Don was predeceased by his parents, his brothers: Thomas (Tim) Bikowsky, Philip Bikowsky, and Randi Bikowsky, and his sister Pamela Bikowsky.  He was predeceased by his canine companion Kuno.

 

Don’s family will gather privately for services to be held in the Stockbridge Valley Cemetery.  Compassionate and personal care is being provided for Don and his family by Jeffrey T. Paul, Director, of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison.

To offer a condolence or share a memory, please visit: paulfuneralhom