On January 4, Donald Savastano claimed a New York State Lottery check for $1 million which he won playing the Merry Millionaire scratch off ticket.

Just three weeks later, on Friday, January 26, Savastano died suddenly of recently diagnosed stage 4 cancer.

An obituary published Sunday by Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home in Oneonta recounts Savastano's life growing up on Long Island and learning carpentry from his father. He became a successful self-employed carpenter after moving to Sidney in Delaware County, and helped raise the two sons of his girlfriend of 12 years, Julie Wheeler.

He was survived by his mother, two sisters and four brothers, and died in the comfort of his home surrounded by those he loved.

Savastano bought the $10 lottery ticket on a whim, and had claimed the lump sum payment of $661,800.

Donald Savastano took home the prize Wednesday after winning on a holiday-themed scratch off ticket about a month ago. https://t.co/lOsi3yMLKd — Spectrum News S-Tier (@SPECNewsSTier) January 4, 2018

"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."

He said he might also use it to plan a vacation.

Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, January 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 31 at 10 a.m. at the Oneonta Assembly of God Church, 1776 County Highway 48, Oneonta.

Read Savastano's full obituary here.