Donald M. Smith

CLINTON, MA - Donald M. Smith, age 86, a resident of Clinton, MA and former resident of The Villages, FL died Sunday, February 13, 2022 following a long courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was the beloved husband of Wendy L. (Kirkpatrick) Smith and the late Rita M. (McLaughlin) Smith who died in 2006.

He was born in Lowell on April 26, 1935, and was the son of the late Dorothy (Sturtevant) (Smith) Shea and Raymond Shea. He received his education in Lowell schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degree's in Education from Fitchburg State College.

Don proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the United States Army.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed for many years as a teacher at Newton North High School. He was also a Master Electrician and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the and the National Electrical Benefit Fund.

Don was an avid skier and raced in competitions until he was 80 years old and was an instructor after his retirement. He also played softball his entire life until the age of 84 and learned to play golf at the age of 81. He was a devoted sports fan, especially the New England Patriots, the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics. He loved his many trips to Walt Disney World and spending time with animals. While living at The Villages he was a member of Red Sox Nation and became a skilled cornhole player.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Melissa Smith and her husband Steven Groulx of Chester, NH; his two grandchildren, Steven Groulx and Isabelle Groulx, both of Chester, NH; his brother Jerry Shea and his wife Lorraine of Loveland, FL; two sisters, Debbie Barrett of The Villages, FL and Meredith McElroy and her husband Paul of Sebastian, FL; and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Nancy Shea.

Relatives and Friends are invited to Don's Life Celebration at the MCKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell on Saturday from 11:00am until 12:00pm followed by his Funeral Service at 12:00pm at the funeral home. To view the service remotely, please visit http://client.tribucast.com/tcid/3417359354. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don's memory to MSPCA-Angell, Attn: Donations, 350 South, Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.