Douglas B. Cannistra

Doug was born in Oneonta, the son of Thomas and Louise (Matthews) Cannistra. He graduated from Oneonta High School, Class of 1970.

Starting at age 16, Doug worked for the City of Oneonta’s Department of Public Works and graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a B.S. in Social Science. He began his professional career with the Delaware County Probation Department and transferred to Juvenile Corrections with the NY State Office of Children and Family Services working at Camp Brace, Allen Center and the Henry Johnson Youth Leadership Academy and MacCormick Residential Center. He was promoted to Director of Cass Residential Center in Rensselaerville and ultimately the NYSOCFS Aftercare Program in Binghamton from which he retired in 2006.

Through NYS Doug earned certifications as a building inspector, fire and safety inspector and Trainer of Trainers, allowing him to certify others in these fields.

Upon his retirement Doug began a second career as an aide to Senator James Seward, a job which he enjoyed immensely, and stayed with the Senator until his retirement from politics.

After meeting as students at SUNY Oneonta, in 1975 Doug married the love of his life, Alice Smith, on Long Island. They built a home in Oneonta and had two daughters, Danielle and Tara, who were the center of Doug’s universe.

An enthusiastic and diligent student of the martial arts, Doug earned a third degree black belt in Shitoh-ryu Karate and enjoyed using his skills as a teaching assistant in the karate classes at SUNY Oneonta. He also taught Senior Self Defense for the Center for Continuing Adult Learning.

Dedicated to his community, Doug served on the Town of Oneonta’s Zoning Board, first as a member and later as Chairman for more than 20 years.

Doug and Alice enjoyed international travel with the family, owning and riding horses and daily long walks with their Great Danes. Doug also loved cruising Oneonta in his sports car and was an avid fan of professional boxing.

Doug is survived by Alice, his loving wife of 47 years, daughters Danielle Malloy and Tara Bivona (Michael), brothers Robert and David Cannistra (Jody), sisters Maria Bard (Ted) and Susan Klugh and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Thomas and Phillip and a beloved cousin, Frances Solovitch.

In accordance with Doug’s wishes there will be no calling hours. Cremation will take place under the direction of Grummons Funeral Home and his final resting place will be in the columbarium at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Oneonta.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Susquehanna SPCA or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.