Obituary of Don Philip Hurd, Jr.

Don “DJ” Hurd, Jr., 44, was born on May 12, 1973 to Don and Bonnie Hurd in Queens, NY, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, September 30, 2017. 

Don was educated and graduated from PS 223 (Queens, NY) and later relocated to Utica, NY with his uncle John in 1989. Upon establishing himself in Utica, Don enrolled in MVCC and received his apprenticeship certificate in Masonary, and became employed by JCTOD.  Don also worked various other jobs; St. Luke’s, Ollie’s and Denny’s.  Don was a hard working family man who had a very caring nature.  He would take the shirt off his bak to give to anyone in need.  He loved sports, specifically basketball, and his favorite team was the NY Knicks!  He enjoyed family gatherings and was always the center of what made those events special, always putting a smile on all those attending. 

Don, a father, who loved his children, parents, siblings, grandchildren and all extended family and friends, always let it be known that everyone should always live life to the fullest, which is what he did, and never let grass grow beneath your feet.  And if you were looking for some good BBQ, Don’s door is where you would knock!  Life for him was worth celebrating and that is what he shared with all his family and friends – always selfless in his actions. 

Don is survived and memorialized by his wife, Malishia “Missy” Hurd; parents: Don and Bonnie Hurd; daughters: Raven, Chanelle, Briana Hurd, Moniaya (Eddie) Moorehand and My’Ania Hurd; sons:  Latrell Hurd and Deshawn Yearby; brothers: Troy and Terrence (Kim); sisters: Destinee and Jada Hurd; grandchildren: Milania, Anthony and A’riyah; godchildren: Tacheona, Alexis, Jasmine and Zylashia; brother-in-laws: Oscar and Terrell; sister-in-laws: Tasha, Leonda “Hefty”, Trayeca; father-in-law: Oscar Boykin and close friend: Kendell (Tracy) Neal; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

Don was predeceased by his sons: Don Hurd III and Shawn Hurd; grandparents: Edwin and Ruby Hurd and mother-in-law: Rose Chester.

The family would like to acknowledge and extend their sincere appreciation to all those who have expressed their condolences during this time of grief.  May the Lord keep you in his blessings. 

Services will be held on Friday, October 6, 2017 at The Salvation of Army Utica Church, 14 Clinton Place, Utica, NY 13501 with visitation with the family at from 10:00 am - 11:00 am with service immediately following at 11:00 am.  Don will be interred at Forest Hill Cemetery, 2201 Oneida Street, Utica, NY 13501 after the service.