Obituary of Erling Donald Sellevold

Erling Donald Sellevold passed into Glory on October 4, 2024. 

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather. He was affectionately known as “Don” and “Grandpa Don” by friends and family alike.

Don was born on June 5, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY.  His parents, Rev. Erling and Rakel Sellevold of Norway had accepted a temporary Pastorate position at the First Norwegian Baptist Church in NYC and were residing in Bay Ridge when Erling was born. Soon after, they moved back to their family farm in Hvittingfoss, Norway where Donald grew up.

After graduating from a 3-year college program (Gymnas), he returned to the states to “secure his citizenship”.  He stayed with some friends in Brooklyn who opened their home to him and provided employment for a year.  During that time, he attended the Dutch Reformed Church where he met Patricia (“Debbie”).  She was attracted to this handsome foreigner with the Scandinavian accent and he soon stole her heart.  After several months they were wed in the church where God brought them together.

They raised four children (David, Cynthia, Patricia, and Erik) who blessed them with many descendants. They lived in various locations during their marriage, but Delaware County had been their home for the last 50 years. After retiring, Don built their beautiful lake home where they lived for many happy years. With faith and family being an important part of his life, Don was always very active in their church.  In his spare time, he would help do repairs at their church and assist fellow members with needed home repairs.  He had a heart for animals and often had a German Shepherd by his side.  Donald was a hard worker and talented in many ways. 

He was a master craftsman and carpenter who worked in construction for many years.  He was employed at SUNY Delhi as an Instructor in their Carpentry Program in the 70’s and a Safety Inspector at SUCO in Oneonta until he retired in 1995. 

Don is survived by his children Cynthia Tait (Steven), Patricia Sellevold-Scudder (Dane), and Erik (Kim), 13 Grandchildren, 13 Great-Grandchildren, 5 Great-Great Grandchildren, a brother Randolf in Norway, many nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

He was predeceased by his parents Erling Sellevold and Rakel (Meskestad) Sellevold, his brother Warren Sellevold, 2 sisters, Reidun (Sellevold) Lia and Corine (Sellevold) Saether, his beloved wife Debbie, and son David. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Southside Wesleyan Church in Oneonta on Saturday, November 9^th at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society in Delhi, NY.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Donald's family.