Donald C. Doucette, 92, of Williamstown, MA, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2024, with his devoted wife Lenore by his side, due to congestive heart failure.
Don was born on August 8, 1931, in Allston, Massachusetts, to Joseph and Helen (Lally) Doucette.
He graduated from St. Columbkille High School in 1950 on an athletic scholarship, earning varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball. Don received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University (NU) in 1955 and later earned a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from NU in 1965, after having six children. He enjoyed playing basketball for NU’s Huskies, and his team photo was included in the 1954 Physical Education Center cornerstone time capsule. Don was also honored with membership in the Eta Kappa Nu International Honor Society.
Don worked at New England Electric (NEE) for over 30 years, where he developed two innovative sub-station support technologies that earned registered patents. He retired from NEE in 1986 and then became the founding electrical engineer at PLM Electric Power Engineering, where he worked until the end of his career.
In 1977, Don married Lenore, the love of his life. They spent the last 47 years living between Massachusetts and Florida. At their Veranda Springs clubhouse, they were known as the original Ken and Barbie, actively participating in volunteer and social activities.
A devout Catholic, Don volunteered for many years as the coach of the CYO basketball team at Our Lady of Presentation in Brighton, MA.
Don was a passionate New England sports fan, especially of the Celtics, and was thrilled to see them win the championship this year. He also enjoyed golf, solving puzzles, performing sleight-of-hand magic tricks, and playing wiffle ball with friends and family at White Horse Beach and PLM.
He is survived by his loving wife Lenore Doucette, his children Cathleen Fountain (Robert) of Dalton, NH; Maureen Nix (Stephan) of Gilford, NH; James Doucette (Meg) of Framingham, MA; Donald Doucette, Jr. (Colleen Martin) of Hopkinton, MA; and William Doucette of Framingham, MA. He is also survived by his stepdaughters Lee Ann Mullins (Larry) of North Adams, MA; and Laurien Brolin of Fort Worth, TX; his son-in-law Richard Villani of Hyannis, MA; his brother Gerald Doucette of Needham, MA; 21 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his cherished daughter Pauline Villani of Hyannis, MA; his infant son John Paul Doucette of Brighton, MA; his grandson Paul Villani of Hyannis, MA; his brother Joseph Doucette of Scarborough, ME; and his sister Mary Duseau of Weymouth, MA.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Donald Doucette will be celebrated on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours will be at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA, on Friday morning from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home.
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