Donald James Ouellette, just shy of his 95th birthday, passed away on Sunday at the Lutheran Home, Worcester, after a period of declining health.
Born in Quincy, MA, son of Donald and Evelyn Beaulier Ouellette, he was the loving husband to Mildred (Millie), his wife of 66 years. He leaves six children: Mark J. (his wife, Elise) of Land O Lakes, FL; Scott D. of Worcester; Lynne M. of Boylston; Dean G. (his wife, Carol) of Natick; Neil R. of Webster; and Amy M. Arvidson (her husband, Michael) of Holden. He was a wonderful grandfather “papa” to his eight grandchildren: Amanda, Casey, Donald J. II , Cameron, Nicole, Paige, Lauren, and Michael Jr. He was pre-deceased by his sisters Carole Borelli and Lillian Perron.
After high school, he joined the Navy and served on the USS Freestone during World War II bringing troops over to Japan. After marrying, he become a plumber by trade and was a member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Local #4 for over 60 years. He was a man of many talents and could fix anything—he took great pride in maintaining his home and yard.
In his younger years, Don loved camping with his children and his favorite hobbies were metal detecting and fresh water fishing, which he enjoyed well into his senior years. He just loved a good game of Texas Hold Em’ at the casino, and we know he’ll be cheering on his New England Patriots this Sunday.
Throughout his life, he was a man of great faith which sustained him during his illness. He was a special man who will be greatly missed, and we feel blessed to have been loved by such an amazing human being.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 1, at 11am in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 23 Fales Street, Worcester, MA 01606. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678.