April 29, 2020
April 29, 2020
Missing you a little extra Uncle Don, keep watching overs us. Love you always!
Donald J. Sigovich passed away on October 18, 2019. We have created this memorial site as a platform to share tributes, stories and photos.
Tributes
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April 27, 2020
April 27, 2020
Hi Don. I hope I did an acceptable job with your portrait. If you've been paying attention you've already seen it, but I've added it to the photos section for the rest of your friends and family. I'll miss hearing your frank critique and giving you the scanning/printing work ... and maybe toasting over a drink or two afterward. Smiling just like the picture. As your friend Matthew Levine just wrote, things are indeed weird here and your snarky humor is sorely needed. If you thought the government was f@#$ed before ... well, you just wouldn't believe it! Miss you terribly.
April 27, 2020
April 27, 2020
Hi Don, just checking in on how it's going in the great mystery beyond. We are having a weird time of it here on earth. I just know e would have had a great conversation/correspondence about this period of creative sharing. Still missing you....
January 15, 2020
January 15, 2020
Still thinking of you, my friend, and still missing you. Oh, the conversations we could be having....
November 17, 2019
November 17, 2019
Don made beautiful prints for me for some ten years. We were introduced by Sally Andersen-Bruce. He was a superb and painstaking printer who always strove to achieve the perfect reproduction. But I came to love my visits to the studio for his deep saturation in the world of art and for his even broader interest in the world around us. What a great inspiration and a great memory he created. That corner of Richmondville Avenue will always bring him vividly to mind. Thanks Don, for being a great human being.
November 16, 2019
November 16, 2019
I wonder if anyone knows how Donald Joseph Sigovich got his middle name. Well before he was born I always told our mother that “he” was Baby Joe. So Mom and Dad gave him the middle name of Joseph. Pretty cool huh!
I have hesitated in writing a tribute to Donnie because I refuse to believe that he is gone and I just can’t get past it. His short illness and passing is beyond any reality that I choose to believe. Donnie was so unique, so irresistible and completely irreplaceable. He was eight years my junior, thus we grew up in different times and yet I was able to watch him grow to become a true professional in the field that he loved and so enjoyed. He was a lifelong student of art and printing. After he graduated from RIT, he traveled to Europe to study and learn technique and style from the great printing masters. He was such a perfectionist who agonized over the minutiae in printing and art reproduction, perhaps only noticeable to the artist or client. That’s why he was so good! He never sought glory, but he was genuinely proud of his work and accomplishments.
As a young man, Donnie was a fine athlete; exceptional water and snow skier, a decent golfer and a talented soccer player. And of course in later years, his love of soccer (football) continued with his passion for Arsenal and the Premier league.
When Donnie met his soul mate Elizabeth, it was a perfect union of love and devotion. And the love from Louise, Eliza and Sara gave him a rock solid family which he so cherished.
I have hesitated in writing a tribute to Donnie because I refuse to believe that he is gone and I just can’t get past it. His short illness and passing is beyond any reality that I choose to believe. Donnie was so unique, so irresistible and completely irreplaceable. He was eight years my junior, thus we grew up in different times and yet I was able to watch him grow to become a true professional in the field that he loved and so enjoyed. He was a lifelong student of art and printing. After he graduated from RIT, he traveled to Europe to study and learn technique and style from the great printing masters. He was such a perfectionist who agonized over the minutiae in printing and art reproduction, perhaps only noticeable to the artist or client. That’s why he was so good! He never sought glory, but he was genuinely proud of his work and accomplishments.
As a young man, Donnie was a fine athlete; exceptional water and snow skier, a decent golfer and a talented soccer player. And of course in later years, his love of soccer (football) continued with his passion for Arsenal and the Premier league.
When Donnie met his soul mate Elizabeth, it was a perfect union of love and devotion. And the love from Louise, Eliza and Sara gave him a rock solid family which he so cherished.
November 16, 2019
November 16, 2019
I was introduced to Don by a mutual friend. When I explained to Don my ambitions to create fine art prints of my father's art, and started to explain to him who my father was, Don cut me off and said, "Oh, I know just who your father is. I used to photograph his exhibitions for his gallery, years ago." It always felt that our relationship was meant to be. Don enriched my life way beyond our working experience. It was easy to trust Don, to respect him, to love him. He exuded confidence, deep knowledge, compassion and loyalty. I counted on him to always find the right solution, because he always did and because he cared. There's a hole in our lives that's okay not to fill. It should always remain open, but not out of sadness. It's a place to go back to, to honor him and acknowledge the great times we had with him.
November 16, 2019
November 16, 2019
I will miss Don. He was an inspiration to me. He helped me with my career and I have gone far because of him.
He was intelligent and talented. I always enjoyed giving him work because I had fun coming to his office and seeing all the different works of art there.
I hope Don and Bruce are sharing beers in heaven. Love you both.
He was intelligent and talented. I always enjoyed giving him work because I had fun coming to his office and seeing all the different works of art there.
I hope Don and Bruce are sharing beers in heaven. Love you both.
November 4, 2019
November 4, 2019
Twelve years ago I was highly suspicious of Don appearing in the lives of my dear friend and her daughters, whom I've known since their births. I felt like a mother tiger with a need to protect her young from more hurt.
WHAT was I thinking?! He was perfect for all of us! Aside from Elizabeth blooming with happiness he bonded with my husband over food, wine, travel, and culture, and could hold an intelligent conversation on politics without rancor. Don and I shared those things but also theater, a teasing, wry sense of humor and we liked to share memories, like Woodstock, that the "youngsters" we were with didn't have; always convinced we were superior!. He always encouraged me (maybe egged me on..) even to write a book. One day, Don.
He took an interest in all of us and our interests, especially Louise, Eliza and Sarah; going to every lacrosse, cross country, golf etc. event, helping with the school projects, listening when the girls turned to him about making the college or job or apartment decisions and giving calm, thoughtful counsel. He did all the boring parental packing and unpacking treks to colleges, parents' weekends and various apartments; with never an eye roll or sigh. Amazing!
Don even set a good example to us as parents, and took a calm interest in our son's collection of 8 snakes...
We had plans. The next phase of life was beckoning, and then, a sudden, giant hole. Don was good about not just thinking about something but doing it. In his memory, I will try that. I'm learning to drink Titos...
WHAT was I thinking?! He was perfect for all of us! Aside from Elizabeth blooming with happiness he bonded with my husband over food, wine, travel, and culture, and could hold an intelligent conversation on politics without rancor. Don and I shared those things but also theater, a teasing, wry sense of humor and we liked to share memories, like Woodstock, that the "youngsters" we were with didn't have; always convinced we were superior!. He always encouraged me (maybe egged me on..) even to write a book. One day, Don.
He took an interest in all of us and our interests, especially Louise, Eliza and Sarah; going to every lacrosse, cross country, golf etc. event, helping with the school projects, listening when the girls turned to him about making the college or job or apartment decisions and giving calm, thoughtful counsel. He did all the boring parental packing and unpacking treks to colleges, parents' weekends and various apartments; with never an eye roll or sigh. Amazing!
Don even set a good example to us as parents, and took a calm interest in our son's collection of 8 snakes...
We had plans. The next phase of life was beckoning, and then, a sudden, giant hole. Don was good about not just thinking about something but doing it. In his memory, I will try that. I'm learning to drink Titos...
November 2, 2019
November 2, 2019
I was deeply saddened to learn about Don’s passing. I am fortunate that Jeff Saverine introduced me to Don almost ten years ago, as I made the transition from darkroom to digital. Don produced many beautiful 16 x 24 prints on my behalf. With each batch of digital files, he would occasionally offer a gentle critique leading to improvements in my post production processing. Jeff and I especially enjoyed the days when Don would join us for lunch at Tavern on Main, where we could talk about art, politics and soccer, including Croatia’s incredible run in the 2018 World Cup. He was a real gentlemen.
October 31, 2019
October 31, 2019
I’m one of the lucky artists who found out about Don’s work (in my case, recommended by Hal Mayforth many years ago). I entrusted all of my work to him with deep gratitude: both my paintings and photographs, from scanning to printing and every detail along the way that only a true master printer could do justice to, in my eyes. He had an artistic soul, unlimited calm and patience, and the rare superpower of being able to communicate with obsessively detail-oriented artists and somehow read our minds in terms of what we needed, and make it come to life.
Add to that his kindness, his sense of humor, being an absolute delighg to work with, and his willingness to go above and beyond when it came to his clients. He had a deep empathy for the starving artists among us (myself included) who nonetheless demanded (and always got) perfection from him.
Every print he produced for me was perfect. He had an uncanny intuition in understanding what I was going for, and he nailed it every time. I only had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth once, and in a typical example of Don’s generosity, he (and Elizabeth) agreed to meet me in a shopping mall parking lot midway between Westport and the Catskills, where I live, so that I could hand off a pile of prints and original paintings that I was way too skittish to ship and trust that they would arrive safely.
I’m heartbroken for his family, Elizabeth, and Mark, who I didn’t realize was a childhood friend and who has been wonderful during this transition despite his own personal loss. The world has lost a true artist, a consummate craftsman, and one of the nicest and most generous people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Add to that his kindness, his sense of humor, being an absolute delighg to work with, and his willingness to go above and beyond when it came to his clients. He had a deep empathy for the starving artists among us (myself included) who nonetheless demanded (and always got) perfection from him.
Every print he produced for me was perfect. He had an uncanny intuition in understanding what I was going for, and he nailed it every time. I only had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth once, and in a typical example of Don’s generosity, he (and Elizabeth) agreed to meet me in a shopping mall parking lot midway between Westport and the Catskills, where I live, so that I could hand off a pile of prints and original paintings that I was way too skittish to ship and trust that they would arrive safely.
I’m heartbroken for his family, Elizabeth, and Mark, who I didn’t realize was a childhood friend and who has been wonderful during this transition despite his own personal loss. The world has lost a true artist, a consummate craftsman, and one of the nicest and most generous people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
October 29, 2019
October 29, 2019
I’m honored to have known Don for the last 20 years of my life as he was my dads best friend and partner at image works. However to me I’ve always seen him as my uncle Don. Growing up we lived right next door the office, it was basically my second home. I was constantly over there being the annoying little girl that got into everything and always wanted to know what was going on. My uncle Don always was the first to give me a hug & a “hello hunny”, and he was always the first one to tell me to leave when I was being a pesky little kid. From my daily visits at the office, to summers at uncle Ron’s house in Maine, to Don, my dad & my uncle Eddie teaching me everything I know about horse racing, to dinners parties in our back yard. My most special memories of Don are that Elizabeth and him ALWAYS made sure that they came to visit me at any bar that I worked at. I’ll miss listening to Don, my dad & there best friends who I adopted to be my uncles tell the most iconic stories of the 60’s-70’s that I would ask to hear over and over again. Don always have me great advice but with that great advice always came the harsh truth with it. I will never meet someone as witty, stern, loving, smart, funny, talented as my uncle Don. Thank you for always making me sure I always knew how much you loved me. I will forever miss you & I’ll waiting till the day I can hear “hello hunny” again.
October 28, 2019
October 28, 2019
Will miss him in so many ways-an honor and a pleasure to have known him- To his family and friends I share tears of love with you - We were all extremely lucky to have shared time with him--for that I am grateful--he will always be in my heart as he will be in yours --Thank you Don for being you--Eddie
October 28, 2019
October 28, 2019
Seeing Don was such a fun part of my life that I'm sad beyond words. No experience will ever match it. Nor the man. Trips to Don were equal parts private museum tour, meet-the-artist event, and printing master class. And what a great guide, critic, and teacher he was! All who worked with Don admired his drive for perfection (many have already commented on it here). What a gift to have someone who, more often than not, was more particular than his fussy clients. And if you're among the tiny minority of artists who are still unhappy about a particular blue you expected him to match, then: STOP USING PHTHALO BLUE! Don hated that tube color and what I wouldn't give to hear him mutter one more time: "I keep telling them that phthalo blue doesn't exist in nature, but they don't f@#%ing listen." RIP my friend.
October 28, 2019
October 28, 2019
lucky to have known you Don.....Eternal Life!
October 26, 2019
October 26, 2019
Some of the memories I will always treasure involve times at the beach and on the water with my Dad. He loved to sail and he loved to be near the water. I picked this poem about the ocean for him. I also copied the lyrics from "Landslide" below. He picked this song for us to dance to at my wedding. That was a special day for both of us.
Ocean
I am in love with Ocean
lifting her thousands of white hats
in the chop of the storm,
or lying smooth and blue, the
loveliest bed in the world.
In the personal life, there is
always grief more than enough,
a heart-load for each of us
on the dusty road. I suppose
there is a reason for this, so I will be
patient, acquiescent. But I will live
nowhere except here, by Ocean, trusting
equally in all the blast and welcome
of her sorrowless, salt self.
~Mary Oliver
Landslide
I took my love, I took it down
Climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
'Til the landslide brought me down
Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changin' ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Mmm
Well, I've been 'fraid of changin'
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm gettin' older, too
Ocean
I am in love with Ocean
lifting her thousands of white hats
in the chop of the storm,
or lying smooth and blue, the
loveliest bed in the world.
In the personal life, there is
always grief more than enough,
a heart-load for each of us
on the dusty road. I suppose
there is a reason for this, so I will be
patient, acquiescent. But I will live
nowhere except here, by Ocean, trusting
equally in all the blast and welcome
of her sorrowless, salt self.
~Mary Oliver
Landslide
I took my love, I took it down
Climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
'Til the landslide brought me down
Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changin' ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Mmm
Well, I've been 'fraid of changin'
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm gettin' older, too
October 26, 2019
October 26, 2019
I want to thank you all for the loving tributes you have posted about my dad. It has been particularly special for me to read about the impact he had on his clients and colleagues. While I don’t have my dad’s eye for color, I definitely inherited his perfectionism. I am grateful for his passion, his dedication to his craft, and the pride he took in his work. He taught me how rewarding it can be to do something you truly love.
My dad also taught me how to play cribbage and backgammon. He taught me to count the cards in hearts and to never spin in foosball. He took me to my first Broadway show and instilled a lifelong love of theater. He always read the newspaper, got excited about new technology, and was eager to discuss politics and current events. I will always remember a tense moment when he confronted people he loved about xenophobic comments. It was not a particularly graceful exchange, but I had never been prouder.
I am also grateful for the tough times. I have learned a lot about myself, and I know my dad would be proud of the person I am today. I wish I could have eased his pain as much as he probably wished he could have eased mine. I love you, Dad. You left behind a group of strong, compassionate, independent women. Thank you for loving us and cheering us on.
My dad also taught me how to play cribbage and backgammon. He taught me to count the cards in hearts and to never spin in foosball. He took me to my first Broadway show and instilled a lifelong love of theater. He always read the newspaper, got excited about new technology, and was eager to discuss politics and current events. I will always remember a tense moment when he confronted people he loved about xenophobic comments. It was not a particularly graceful exchange, but I had never been prouder.
I am also grateful for the tough times. I have learned a lot about myself, and I know my dad would be proud of the person I am today. I wish I could have eased his pain as much as he probably wished he could have eased mine. I love you, Dad. You left behind a group of strong, compassionate, independent women. Thank you for loving us and cheering us on.
October 26, 2019
October 26, 2019
I met Don in the spring of 1962, I was 11 years old and had just moved to Weston from Battle Creek Michigan. Donnie quickly became one of a small group of new friends I spent a great deal of time with. We grew up together.
Our primary interests went from model cars, to girls, to driving cars, to music, to mind expanding drugs, to girls, to education, we both studied printing and art reproduction, to making a living, to horse racing, to making more money to replace what we lost on horse racing, to marriage and raising 3 girls for Don (I married much later), to business (we became partners), to food and fine wine, to travel, to what to watch on Netflix, to relaxing with our sweethearts, Don and Elizabeth and me and Maria.
I am excitable, raising my voice and waving my arms at the slightest provocation, Don never was. Don was always calm on the outside. He was never rushed, as a matter of fact you couldn’t rush him if you wanted to. He was stoic with a smile.
He had a wonderful curiosity, if he took an interest in something he would follow the trail like a bloodhound until he found the best of it. If I came across a new way to cook an omelet, Don would be the first person I wanted to tell. The thought “wait ’til I tell Don” has become second nature for me, I suppose it will fade with time. My memories of Don never will.
I looked in the thesaurus for a better word than sad (Don would have probably done the same) and found nothing adequate. Probably the closest is a primal scream followed by soft weeping but I don’t know how to spell that here.
I will miss not having new adventures with Don, but the Don I knew will always be with me until I take my final rest. A better friend a man cannot have. Requiescat in pace Don.
Our primary interests went from model cars, to girls, to driving cars, to music, to mind expanding drugs, to girls, to education, we both studied printing and art reproduction, to making a living, to horse racing, to making more money to replace what we lost on horse racing, to marriage and raising 3 girls for Don (I married much later), to business (we became partners), to food and fine wine, to travel, to what to watch on Netflix, to relaxing with our sweethearts, Don and Elizabeth and me and Maria.
I am excitable, raising my voice and waving my arms at the slightest provocation, Don never was. Don was always calm on the outside. He was never rushed, as a matter of fact you couldn’t rush him if you wanted to. He was stoic with a smile.
He had a wonderful curiosity, if he took an interest in something he would follow the trail like a bloodhound until he found the best of it. If I came across a new way to cook an omelet, Don would be the first person I wanted to tell. The thought “wait ’til I tell Don” has become second nature for me, I suppose it will fade with time. My memories of Don never will.
I looked in the thesaurus for a better word than sad (Don would have probably done the same) and found nothing adequate. Probably the closest is a primal scream followed by soft weeping but I don’t know how to spell that here.
I will miss not having new adventures with Don, but the Don I knew will always be with me until I take my final rest. A better friend a man cannot have. Requiescat in pace Don.
October 26, 2019
October 26, 2019
All that is ImageWorks -- from the years on Imperial Avenue to the years I worked with Don and Mark on Richmondville Avenue -- my memories are clear: 2 life-long friends taking calculated risks on new technology and building an impeccable reputation for their efforts. It is to that collaboration's lasting credit that everyone came to know that the value of their word and the level of their standards were second to none!
I retired and moved away 18 years ago, so it was especially wonderful to see Don a year ago at our friends' wedding... he was as handsome as ever! And, to meet Elizabeth -- a classic beauty with a loving heart -- who was exactly the woman I would picture him choosing as his life partner.
Let us remember Don as a man of uncommon goodness; let us mourn his passing with thanks for the opportunity to have called him our friend.
I retired and moved away 18 years ago, so it was especially wonderful to see Don a year ago at our friends' wedding... he was as handsome as ever! And, to meet Elizabeth -- a classic beauty with a loving heart -- who was exactly the woman I would picture him choosing as his life partner.
Let us remember Don as a man of uncommon goodness; let us mourn his passing with thanks for the opportunity to have called him our friend.
October 25, 2019
October 25, 2019
I am fortunate to have known Don in my life. He was not only a genuine, humorous and interesting guy with no pretense but a talent that can’t be replaced. Out of the many printers I have known Don was the only one able to reproduce my dark New York cityscapes with finesse. Don,I am going to miss your friendship and your extraordinary talent. Life is much too short!
October 25, 2019
October 25, 2019
I will miss Don as a person, as well as his incredible talent. He was so knowledgeable and appreciative of art, … we had some good talks, and he was a dedicated genius with prints and a true artist himself. Godspeed, Don, and my sympathies and prayers to Elizabeth and the whole family.
October 24, 2019
October 24, 2019
Don Sigovich was my Art scanner for 16 years. He knew more about my soul than anyone in the world as he, without words and with the utmost patience and sensiivity, Translated/Interpreted my Art: what God has instructed me to devote my life to.
I truly felt that he understood me/US in a way no one elso knows...the solitary life of Artists, the other world in which we live.
He was a true professional and a true gentleman. Maureen McCourt
I truly felt that he understood me/US in a way no one elso knows...the solitary life of Artists, the other world in which we live.
He was a true professional and a true gentleman. Maureen McCourt
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
O NO! Don is the last person I would have expected to pass on!! So fun, so charming, always ready to smile, and with that twinkle always in his eye!!! Let’s all go down to Sakura some day to share stories and drink to his memory with sake❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
We lost a really sweet guy this week. For many years he and I had so many heated political debates with Elizabeth always being the referee to calm the situation. Afterwards it was always back to talking about the important things like the Yankees. We both helped each other through some difficult times and that created a bond in it's self. I am heart broken and you will be missed my friend.
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
Don was a highlight of my Westport studio career... I loved breaking up my studio life where it's a bit lonely and being a painter can be isolating. I also worked a bit with him in NYC when he worked at a printing company.
When I went to his studio we always talked about current art, exhibits, museums and life, family but mostly art. We knew a lot of the local artists as well as our art history of the masters. We could compare notes and opinions and it was wonderful.He was knowledgeable, skilled and a perfectionist. He was also funny and liked to make me think he was a curmudgeon. He wasn't :)
Don was also a artist. I used him as a second opinion when I laid out my prints as reference or to make high end giclees. I trusted him on so many levels.
Don was also my friend and a gentleman.We filled each other in on our families and he had a heart for children. Especially his daughters. All his daughters.
At the end of our talk-a-thon he would say something like come bother me next week.
And I would. And then he always gave me a chocolate.
Sometimes 2.
Rest easy Don.
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
It has been a pleasure getting to know Don over the past several years. Sitting at the beach on Friday nights, watching the Charlie Karp tribute at the Leavitt, The High School that Rocked at the Bethel Theater, our annual outing at the Lobster Fest and many happy hours around town. Don was one of the nicest & most interesting men we've ever met. He taught us about art, shared his knowledge about professional soccer, rooting for Croatia in the finals & toasting with a Tito's. He made the best damn turkey we've ever had. A true gentleman, our hearts are broken & he will be so missed by our whole family.
Daryle, Susie, Barrett & Harley
Daryle, Susie, Barrett & Harley
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
For the past 20 years, Don has been printing my paintings. I first met Don at a Mystic Seaport Museum Illustration show in which I had several paintings. I met him again at an Art Expo in NY several years later. These were the only times I met him face to face, but we spoke many times on the phone and often our conversations veered away from the business at hand. Don was my sounding board on many occasions and was free with advice about the pricing and marketing of my prints. But what made Don so special was his eye. His sense of color was outstanding and often when comparing original paintings to his prints, it was difficult to tell which was which. He could also turn orders around very quickly, which definitely made my life easier. It is hard to imagine him gone. I shall miss our conversations, his reliability and his phenomenal talent. My heart goes out to his family.
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
I had known Don from when I worked at Max's Art Supplies when I started there in 1985. He was always a great guy with a great sense of humor. He and I knew all the local artist's past and current and we would talk often about them when I visited his studio to have something printed that I needed to frame. Now that I work at Rockwell in Westport, I still used him and he would come in to have his things framed and we always had fun and he was always interested in my newest framing creation. I will miss him very much and there is a void in Westport that can never be filled.
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
Reading through these heartfelt messages makes me realize all the more how special Don was and how much I will miss him. Kind, funny, generous, honest - I am grateful for having known him. My heart goes out to you and your girls Elizabeth, Don's brothers and all these fabulous friends.
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
Bonded to be your friend. The site of. You Britten my day
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
Don cannot be replaced - as a master of his craft, as one of the most intelligent, interesting people I've ever met, as the poster boy for Tito's, and most importantly, as a very, very good friend. Professionally, good enough was never good enough for Don - it had to be perfect. The art world has lost
a one-and-only. Personally, I don't think I'll ever have a day when I don't think about him. I will cherish the times we spent together. Stopping at the studio for a drop off or pick up always turned into an hour of complaining about something, reviewing movies, discussing the latest artist monographs or NYC exhibitions, and football ( I couldn't compete with Don when it came to any other sport). I'll miss that. As I look around in my studio, I see pieces of Don everywhere. I have rarely felt sorrow this deeply. I know Charlie was there to greet him. Elizabeth, Cheryl and I are there for you wherever and whenever.
a one-and-only. Personally, I don't think I'll ever have a day when I don't think about him. I will cherish the times we spent together. Stopping at the studio for a drop off or pick up always turned into an hour of complaining about something, reviewing movies, discussing the latest artist monographs or NYC exhibitions, and football ( I couldn't compete with Don when it came to any other sport). I'll miss that. As I look around in my studio, I see pieces of Don everywhere. I have rarely felt sorrow this deeply. I know Charlie was there to greet him. Elizabeth, Cheryl and I are there for you wherever and whenever.
October 23, 2019
October 23, 2019
Though we came to meet Don as one of his clients, we found him a kind and gentle soul who always had time to enjoy sharing with us what we each loved - the beauty and excellence in art. May his loved ones find comfort in knowing even more so, what a grand person Don was for us. May he rest in peace.
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
I only met Don twice: when he and Elizabeth brought Eliza to VA Tech and, 4 years later, at her graduation. But I liked him, very much, from the first moment. He had a finely-tuned sense of humour and was able to look at life "sideways", appreciating life's absurdities. In my 46 years in this country, I didn't find many Americans who have it. I'm sure those of you who knew him better will miss him much more than I will but I'll miss him too.
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
Don was a good friend. My late father was very fond of him and I'm certain he is keeping him in good company in the afterlife that awaits all of us. God bless your family in this tough time.
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
Don was such a rare, one-of-kind talent and person who became a friend and mentor to me. I feel extraordinarily fortunate to have had the chance to know him, albeit for too short a time. I always looked forward to visiting Don and appreciated that he always took the time to speak to me no matter how busy he was. From day one, he took me under his wing and began to educate and guide me through the world of color and printing – all of which he made look effortless. He was an extremely generous person…always offering his advice, suggestions and referrals that he thought would be helpful to me and my business. And while he was an exceptional printer, Don was an even better person…just a genuinely good, kind-hearted man with the best sarcastic sense of humor and such great stories. He will be missed dearly, that’s for sure. I know that I will always look at the prints he made for me with a smile on my face thinking of my friend, Don. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Elizabeth, family and friends. – Lisa Small
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
To say I will miss you is not enough .... the laughter and joy we shared over our days was priceless ... you taught me so much more than you ever knew by example... to say thank you is not enough.... you made me see colors.... hear music.... taste flavors ...feel life...and know laughter ..... you profoundly influenced my life and I’m the better for the magnificent gift of your spirt! - Good Night Sweet Prince
Love to you Elizabeth and girls for embracing life with Don - amazing thanks !!
Love to you Elizabeth and girls for embracing life with Don - amazing thanks !!
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
What a shock to receive the email from Elizabeth. I had a recent email exchange with Don about some images I was going to send him soon. I've worked with Don, who was recommended to me by Hal Mayforth, for about 20 years now. We had many phone conversations, and although we never met in person we talked about things other than work, and I felt he was a real friend. He was a master printer, and I have no idea how to find someone who could possibly do such a good job. Digital printing - getting the print colors as close as possible to an original painting - is an art, as well as a fine craft. Last year Don did a large printing job for me that was spectacular - Five big paintings that were originally commissioned for a NYC restaurant - a guy contacted me and wanted prints of the original sizes for his house. Don rallied and made extraordinary prints, using the large scale printer he sometimes used that he'd sold to a friend years ago. Anyway, can't tell you how much I'll miss having Don in my life. I'm so so sorry. Sending love and condolences to you, Elizabeth, and the rest of his family. Anna
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
Don was truly a master of print and color, just absolutely the best at what he did. He was also a warm and genuinely nice person who I enjoyed so much! I know he worked with many accomplished artists and collectors, yet he never gave attitude- he was always a class act. He knew I was fascinated with the technical details of the scanner, and he patiently explained to me exactly how it worked and how he was able to use it so well to make all of our work be recorded as faithfully as possible. The loss is huge, I am heartbroken for the family- his love for you was evident in his conversation, and I hope that love will sustain you in this difficult time. My deepest sympathies to all who loved Don.
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
Oh, Don, what in the world will we all do without you? The incomparable Don Sigovich!!!
Not only his expertise and devotion to his craft but his sense of humor and knowledge of all things art related. I always loved dropping off my paintings and picking up my prints from Don myself. We always ended up telling stories and I usually walked out with a borrowed book or two. Don was one of the most generous people I have ever known. Words cannot express how much he will be missed.
Thank you for your friendship, Don. Life is better having had you in it!
Not only his expertise and devotion to his craft but his sense of humor and knowledge of all things art related. I always loved dropping off my paintings and picking up my prints from Don myself. We always ended up telling stories and I usually walked out with a borrowed book or two. Don was one of the most generous people I have ever known. Words cannot express how much he will be missed.
Thank you for your friendship, Don. Life is better having had you in it!
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
I have been working with Don for the past 5 years and he was the most generous person I have ever worked with. He wanted to see my business succeed and he was always there to offer advise or an ear when I needed some. He delivered almost every single print himself and we looked forward to his visits. His talent, friendship and caring will be greatly missed by every one at KR. Tiki Donaldo is a painting that he scanned and because it did not have a name, he named it that. We will hang him up in his honor at the shop in Westport. He will be so missed and send our condolences to his family.
Kerri Rosenthal
Kerri Rosenthal
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
Don photographed my paintings for 20 years. Surrounded by all the interesting work that he attracted, endlessly patient, always willing to do another tweak to get the colors just right (even the blues that were impossible!), he became a friend I looked forward to chatting with about life and art. Even though I only met you, Elizabeth, a couple of times, I felt I knew you because he always referred to you so lovingly. I will miss him greatly.
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
I am so blessed to have worked with Don. He shot and printed photographs of my work - always showed me other people's work - we talked about his archive photography - top notch museum quality. A generous individual - He was just a damn good person and he did excellent work. My heart is just broken for all who knew him. What a sad sad day. Roxy Savage
October 22, 2019
October 22, 2019
For the last decade or so Don scanned Everett Raymond Kinstler's paintings. Everett always enjoyed taking the work to Don and chatting, looking at the art in Don's studio... just two art guys talking about their world of images.
Thanks, Don, for all the great work and for being so kind to Everett.
Peggy Kinstler
Thanks, Don, for all the great work and for being so kind to Everett.
Peggy Kinstler
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
April 29, 2020
April 29, 2020
Missing you a little extra Uncle Don, keep watching overs us. Love you always!
April 27, 2020
April 27, 2020
Hi Don. I hope I did an acceptable job with your portrait. If you've been paying attention you've already seen it, but I've added it to the photos section for the rest of your friends and family. I'll miss hearing your frank critique and giving you the scanning/printing work ... and maybe toasting over a drink or two afterward. Smiling just like the picture. As your friend Matthew Levine just wrote, things are indeed weird here and your snarky humor is sorely needed. If you thought the government was f@#$ed before ... well, you just wouldn't believe it! Miss you terribly.
April 27, 2020
April 27, 2020
Hi Don, just checking in on how it's going in the great mystery beyond. We are having a weird time of it here on earth. I just know e would have had a great conversation/correspondence about this period of creative sharing. Still missing you....
Gallery
Hi Don. Hope I did an acceptable job with your portrait. Miss raising a glass with you.
250+ an amazing tribute to Don
Thank you to everyone for making this celebration of Don so beautiful and full of love ❤️
Jack & David Sigovich and Suzie and Gretchen Stammer
Recent stories
November 5, 2019
Don was best man at our wedding in 1972. Six months later he accompanied us on a ski trip to Zermatt where he convinced Ingried to try escargot. It turns out she loved them and we had Irish coffee and escargot every night thereafter at Elsie's bar. It was a bad snow year and some Swiss weren't fond of Americans. Don was scheduled to stay two weeks but left two days early due to inhospitable treatment by lift operators and waiters at the Butterfly hotel. We had better ski experiences in New England.
Don was nine years younger than me so our childhood development was out-of-sync. One common thread was our friendship with Suzie Stammer; she was our sister. Don and my life converged when our older daughters were born two weeks apart, our second daughters within two days. Our families interacted periodically during their childhood as we moved to California in 1976. We got together every three or four years either in California or Connecticut along with David and his family.
The three Sigovich brothers played soccer at Staples High School in Westport. Don's passion for soccer continued with his love of English "Football", especially the English Premier League and Arsenal. I was fortunate to spend ten days at home with Don between his first and second hospital stays; we watched many European matches as it was playoff time during this period.
Don introduced me to French wine when he brought two bottles of Chateau Haut-Brion to a Christmas dinner in the 70's. I don't know how much they cost, but I haven't had a first growth Bordeaux wine since that Christmas. He also introduced us to Tito's which was good since Ingried developed Celiac disease a few years later and she needs gluten-free liquor. We were fortunate to travel to Paris and Bordeaux with Don and Elizabeth where we shared our love of French cuisine and wine.
Don went through a rough period with his divorce, but was fortunate that he and Elizabeth found each other. We loved Elizabeth from our first meeting and always enjoy our time together. We are thankful for Elizabeth's love of Don and support of his may passions. We are thankful for Louise, Eliza and Sarahs friendship and love of Don. He was blessed to have them in his life. At least one, and generally two or three of them, were at Don's side from the day of his first stroke to his last breathe.
Don's love of art and passion for his work were unending. We always made it a priority to visit his studio during our trips to the East Coast. He was eager to discuss his projects, show us his reproductions and demonstrate his equipment. He was proud to show us the books that contained his reproductions, especially one of Ronald Lauder's art collection. I accompanied Don on two studio visits after his first stroke. He struggled a bit, printed several copies until completed to his satisfaction. He was tired but still the perfectionist! We didn't know it at the time, but these would be his last studio visits.
You really, really appreciate what you had when you lose it. This is certainly the case for me with regards Don. I had a great brother who taught me a lot about passion; passion for art, music, Croatia heritage and travel, wine, scrambled eggs, English football and much more. Ingried and I look forward to continue sharing these passions with Elizabeth, Louise, Eliza and Sarah for years to come. Don and I spent a fair amount of time together, especially in the last ten years, but it wasn't nearly enough. I will miss him dearly. RIP Don.
Don was nine years younger than me so our childhood development was out-of-sync. One common thread was our friendship with Suzie Stammer; she was our sister. Don and my life converged when our older daughters were born two weeks apart, our second daughters within two days. Our families interacted periodically during their childhood as we moved to California in 1976. We got together every three or four years either in California or Connecticut along with David and his family.
The three Sigovich brothers played soccer at Staples High School in Westport. Don's passion for soccer continued with his love of English "Football", especially the English Premier League and Arsenal. I was fortunate to spend ten days at home with Don between his first and second hospital stays; we watched many European matches as it was playoff time during this period.
Don introduced me to French wine when he brought two bottles of Chateau Haut-Brion to a Christmas dinner in the 70's. I don't know how much they cost, but I haven't had a first growth Bordeaux wine since that Christmas. He also introduced us to Tito's which was good since Ingried developed Celiac disease a few years later and she needs gluten-free liquor. We were fortunate to travel to Paris and Bordeaux with Don and Elizabeth where we shared our love of French cuisine and wine.
Don went through a rough period with his divorce, but was fortunate that he and Elizabeth found each other. We loved Elizabeth from our first meeting and always enjoy our time together. We are thankful for Elizabeth's love of Don and support of his may passions. We are thankful for Louise, Eliza and Sarahs friendship and love of Don. He was blessed to have them in his life. At least one, and generally two or three of them, were at Don's side from the day of his first stroke to his last breathe.
Don's love of art and passion for his work were unending. We always made it a priority to visit his studio during our trips to the East Coast. He was eager to discuss his projects, show us his reproductions and demonstrate his equipment. He was proud to show us the books that contained his reproductions, especially one of Ronald Lauder's art collection. I accompanied Don on two studio visits after his first stroke. He struggled a bit, printed several copies until completed to his satisfaction. He was tired but still the perfectionist! We didn't know it at the time, but these would be his last studio visits.
You really, really appreciate what you had when you lose it. This is certainly the case for me with regards Don. I had a great brother who taught me a lot about passion; passion for art, music, Croatia heritage and travel, wine, scrambled eggs, English football and much more. Ingried and I look forward to continue sharing these passions with Elizabeth, Louise, Eliza and Sarah for years to come. Don and I spent a fair amount of time together, especially in the last ten years, but it wasn't nearly enough. I will miss him dearly. RIP Don.
November 5, 2019
I met Donnie in 1971 when Jack took me to Candlewood Lake to meet the family. He became more than a brother-in-law to me; he was truly one of a kind and I will miss him with all my heart. Jack and I married in 1972 and Donnie was our best man. He didn't go on our honeymoon that year but he did join us on several of our skiing trips, the first one being right after we married so we liked to joke that he joined us for our honeymoon. One of our early ski trips was to Jay Peak. The three of us stayed in the same hotel room to save money and we awoke to a major snow storm outside our window. Jack and Donnie got up to get the snow off Jack's 1966 Oldsmobile and came back in to let me know the car wouldn't start. However, I let them know I could probably get it started. They just laughed at me while I had them go outside and sit behind the wheel. I put up the hood, took off the air filter and pushed the choke down which started the car. Although I had started the car for them, they gave me a hard time when I stayed in the lodge and had a "beverage" rather than go out in a snow storm. Loving skiing as much as he did, both he and Jack bought full leather ski masks and skied Jay Peak in a storm.
We were lucky enough to have met Elizabeth, Don's soul mate, and spend many wonderful times together. We were blessed when they were able to join us for our Bordeaux river cruise in 2017 and we met in Paris where we dined at one of Donnie's bucket list restaurants. We independently made a trip to Croatia to investigate the Sigovich heritage. We are sad that we won't be able to make a trip to Croatia together, something we talked about doing in the future.
Donnie never lost his sense of humor even while in the hospital. When asked questions after his stroke to make certain he was understanding, one of the questions was "who is the President of the United States". You can only imagine his answer! We knew his mind was okay...
Donnie has left a hole in our hearts but he will always be remembered as the gentle soul he was. His talent and love of art will be missed but he has shown me a new appreciation of the arts. Whenever I see a bird, chipmunk, or squirrel I will remember his eyes as he looked lovingly at his bird feeders and watched his animals enjoy the food he left for them. We love you Donnie.... Rest in Peace.
We were lucky enough to have met Elizabeth, Don's soul mate, and spend many wonderful times together. We were blessed when they were able to join us for our Bordeaux river cruise in 2017 and we met in Paris where we dined at one of Donnie's bucket list restaurants. We independently made a trip to Croatia to investigate the Sigovich heritage. We are sad that we won't be able to make a trip to Croatia together, something we talked about doing in the future.
Donnie never lost his sense of humor even while in the hospital. When asked questions after his stroke to make certain he was understanding, one of the questions was "who is the President of the United States". You can only imagine his answer! We knew his mind was okay...
Donnie has left a hole in our hearts but he will always be remembered as the gentle soul he was. His talent and love of art will be missed but he has shown me a new appreciation of the arts. Whenever I see a bird, chipmunk, or squirrel I will remember his eyes as he looked lovingly at his bird feeders and watched his animals enjoy the food he left for them. We love you Donnie.... Rest in Peace.
November 2, 2019
by Diane Weeks
I never imagined that Don wouldn’t be there to answer an email from me whether it was a request for a JPEG or to bring one of my pieces to scan. No matter what the “emergency of the day was”, he always responded immediately. I may have picked up a tone of “I can’t believe she’s asking me this simple question and she can’t figure this out” or “Even though I’m in the middle of doing a scan of priceless artwork, I’ll help her out” but he never denied me!
Don was such a special person in so many ways and on every level. In the art world, he was the only and he was the best. He was a gifted person able to re-create and preserve art for generations to come. He understood and respected all realms of expression thus he understood all people. Everyone felt like they could confide in him. Everyone respected him. Everyone liked Don so much.
Don and I have been working on a book for years. He handed me the last page of my book right before he found out how ill he really was. I’m heartbroken that I can’t present him with the finishedbook and I’m heartbroken that he’s gone.
What a privilege it was to be treated like a professional, to be valued and appreciated. Don was a good listener and a good storyteller with a great sense of humor. Driving down Richmond Hill Avenue to his office was a respite and an assurance that my work would be appreciated and preserved. What a gift Don has been to me and to so many others. I’ll cherish him always. Truly.
Don was such a special person in so many ways and on every level. In the art world, he was the only and he was the best. He was a gifted person able to re-create and preserve art for generations to come. He understood and respected all realms of expression thus he understood all people. Everyone felt like they could confide in him. Everyone respected him. Everyone liked Don so much.
Don and I have been working on a book for years. He handed me the last page of my book right before he found out how ill he really was. I’m heartbroken that I can’t present him with the finishedbook and I’m heartbroken that he’s gone.
What a privilege it was to be treated like a professional, to be valued and appreciated. Don was a good listener and a good storyteller with a great sense of humor. Driving down Richmond Hill Avenue to his office was a respite and an assurance that my work would be appreciated and preserved. What a gift Don has been to me and to so many others. I’ll cherish him always. Truly.