Wayne Keith DiDonna

Wayne Keith DiDonna, 66, of Albany, N.Y. passed away suddenly on January 4, 2017, surrounded by his family. He is the beloved son of and survived by his mother, Catherine "Kay" Walker, sister Lynne DiDonna-Lyons, niece Katelyn Ryan (Timothy), and nephew Thomas Lyons Jr, who all loved Wayne dearly. He was the son of the late William DiDonna of Albany. Wayne was also close to his late Step-dad Frederick "Fritz" Walker of Albany, and loved his late Uncle John Hopkins of Albany. Judith Comstock-DiDonna, his beloved wife and love of his life, passed away at age 25 of breast cancer. Wayne was the grandson of the late Rocco and Rose DiDonna of Albany, and Sarah and John Hopkins of Albany. He was also very close to his late Uncle Emerson Hopkins, a train engineer for the New York Central Railroad. Wayne worked as a master mechanic at the New York Central Railroad for 14 years, was in the National Guard Reserves, and then went on to be self employed as a Contractor and master carpenter. He could fix almost anything and took great pride in his work. He had wonderful woodworking skills and loved to work with his hands. He could draw perfect blueprints for designs of future projects and kept binders full the photos of all the projects at the homes where he worked. Wayne had a great many friends he always stayed close to over the years from childhood. Dave, Marshall and Leo to name a few. He was a graduate of Colonie Central High School. Wayne Keith DiDonna was very much loved by his family and friends alike and known as a good man, a wonderful, kind and generous human being, a great friend and "favorite person" cousin. Wayne knew just about everyone it seemed and was a fantastic storyteller about his adventures with people, trips he took to see his friends, time he spent with people, projects he had going on, and his wonderful memories. He kept track of everyone, knew where they had worked, knew where people were living, and when someone passed away. He always tried to make it to everyone's services when they passed to pay his respects to the family and see old friends there too. He loved to go to the IBS Hall on Friday nights to get together with his old friends, talk, have a slice of pizza, and remember old times. They recently celebrated his birthday there with a cake from Sue. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him far and wide. Calling hours will be at Pine Grove Methodist Church 1580 Central Avenue Albany, N.Y. 12205, on Thursday, January 12th, 2017, from 3-4pm, in the MacIntyre Lounge in the church, use the side door near the rear of the Church, and a short memorial service will follow at 4pm. in the Sanctuary of the Church.