Page created by: Benoit Family

The earthly world has lost a treasured sole. A husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and consummate story teller. A man who showed us passion and poise, dedication and hard work, how to love unconditionally and carry on with true dignity. A witty and fun lover of donuts and spaghetti with meat sauce, music, aviation, sailing and seeker of knowledge. If the Yankees or Giants were playing ball, he'd never miss a game. And you couldn't mistake his passion for golf as he retired on a course to enable him to play EVERY day. Someone whom grew to be loved by everyone around him, and will be deeply missed.

Donald married the love of his life, his childhood sweetheart, Lucille and was happily married for 64 years, with her he enjoyed in raising a daughter and three sons. He later had the pleasure of enjoying 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A true family man, Donald could talk for days with pride about each and every one of them. He was an altruistic man, especially towards his family. It wasn't uncommon to receive very generous gifts from him. It is safe to say that many of the fondest memories his family will hold dear come from sitting with him after a family dinner and listening to the tales he had acquired from his long beautiful life. Some favorites include, the first time he met his wife and their courtship thereafter, his time served in the US Air Force during the Korean conflict, how he was able to climb the corporate ladder and the value of relationships, how he obtained the treasured pearls from Japan for his beloved wife, his most successful golf drives, and the list goes on.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2012 Donald began to loose the ability to care for himself and reluctantly accepted aide. His battle to maintain independence was fought with grit and determination but ultimately the disease robbed him of what little sovereignty and pleasure life had left. His family is at peace knowing Donald lived his life to the fullest and has passed on his best virtues everyone he touched.

In memoriam please consider a donation to help put an end to suffering caused by the disease that shortened the life of our loved one and robbed him of his autonomy.

We had a wonderful grandfather,
One who never really grew old;
His smile was made of sunshine,
And his heart was solid gold;
His eyes were as bright as shining stars,
And in his cheeks fair roses you see.
We had a wonderful grandfather,
And that's the way it will always be.