Dr. Donald M. Dixon, 78, of Cazenovia passed away unexpectedly Saturday, July 18, 2020.

Born in Takoma Park, MD, Don has been a resident of Cazenovia since 1976, Don was an optometrist since 1966, operating Dr. Donald Dixon Optometry in Manlius.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War serving from 1966-1968. Don was a communicant of St. James Church in Cazenovia. He had been a member of the Cazenovia and the Manlius Lions Club.

He will be remembered as a man who loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and as a diligent and hardworking man who was always trying to accomplish something. Two of his many goals in life were to visit all of the National Parks in the U.S. and his endless search for the perfect pizza.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, the former Judith Kolecke, his sons, James (Jennifer) of Palo Alto, CA, and Thomas of Buffalo, his sister Alice Weber of Dunedin, Fl., and his grandchildren, Maxwell, Lincoln and Genevieve. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Dixon and his brother Dwight. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2020, in St. James Cemetery, Lincklaen Road, Cazenovia. Masks and social distancing are required. Contributions in Don’s memory may be made to St. James Church, 6 Green St. Cazenovia, NY 13035.

Ayer & Zimmer Funeral Home, Cazenovia, is in charge of arrangements; 315-655-8101.