Donald J. Ouellette, 85, of Daphne, Alabama, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023, surrounded by his family at the Retreat at Saad’s Hospice in Mobile.
Don was the loving son of the late Adelard and Jeannette (Mobriant) of Attleboro, MA. Don graduated from North Attleboro High School with the Class of 1955. He moved to New Mexico and began his career as a draftsman for Sandia Labs in Albuquerque. While working at Sandia Labs, Don was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a private pilot. Don went on to serve in the United States Army. After serving, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972 from Northeastern University. He worked as a mechanical engineer for CMI, The Foxboro Company and QMS.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Pauline (Roy) of 25 wonderful years; his son, Stephen and wife, Jerrianne (Gray) of Mansfield, MA; stepdaughter, Christina (Alley) Giacchetto and husband, Joseph, of Chelmsford, MA; and stepson, Ebon Alley and wife, Kerri (Garvey), currently serving in the U.S. Air Force in England; and his siblings, Adelard “Will” and wife, Carolyn (Habel), Ronald and his late wife, Lil (Lawrence), Nancy and husband, Dale Grant, and Joseph and life partner, Maria (Ruano). He was the beloved Papere to Alec, Joey and Jack Giacchetto and Madelyn and Eli Alley. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
Don’s love of the outdoors involved hiking, birdwatching, and volunteering. He served as Chair of the Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter Trails Committee and Appalachian Mountain Club. Twice a year he led a crew of 20 volunteers to help maintain the adopted Lonesome Lake Trail in the Franconia Notch section of the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Don’s passion for volunteering extended to Baldwin County, where he served on the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization. He was an honorary member of the Baldwin County Master Gardeners, Baldwin County Genealogical Society, Baldwin County Historical Society, Ancient Aviators of South Alabama, The American Legion, and the Daphne Environmental Advisors Committee.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to The Retreat at Saad’s Hospice at 1515-B S University Blvd, Mobile, AL 36609.
Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
I have known Don and his family for many years. Our children grew up as neighbors and our sons went to Karate together. He has always been pleasant to talk with and was considered a friend.
I am sorry that it’s been so long since I last had a chance to see him.
He will be fondly remembered.
The Ancient Aviators wish you blue skies and tailwinds, Don. We miss you.
Sadly, I just learned of Don’s death this week. We served together on the City of Daphne Environmental Advisory Committee, Don serving as co-chair of this committee. I found Don to be extremely mindful of and interested in the various activities that affect our environment. His mission was always to do all he could to improve living conditions on planet earth. May Pauline find comfort in all the fine memories they made together.