Upstate NY Man Wins $1 Million on Scratch Off Ticket, Dies Shortly After

Donald Savastano won $1 million from the Merry Millionaire scratch off ticket on January 4th. Unfortunately, only a short three weeks later, on January 26, Donald passed away from a recently diagnosed stage 4 cancer at the age of 51. On a complete whim, Donald bought the $10 scratch off lottery ticket. He ended up winning $1 million dollars on that scratch off, which equaled out to a lump sum of $661,800.

"Being a self-employed carpenter, I didn't really have a plan for retirement," Savastano told WBNG-TV at the time. "The money will help with that. I don't have any other extravagant plans. I'll buy a new truck, pay off some debt and invest for the future."

Donald moved to Sidney in Delaware County and became a successful self-employed carpenter. He was with his girlfriend, Julie Wheeler, for the last 12 years and Donald helped raise her two sons. Donald is survived by his mother, and 6 siblings (two sisters and four brothers). He passed away being surrounded by the people he loved the most in the comfort of his own home.   Calling Hours will be held at Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta on Tuesday, January 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the Oneonta Assembly of God Church, 1776 County Highway 48, Oneonta on Wednesday, January 31 at 10 a.m.