Sarasota – Donald Joseph Doucette, of Sarasota, Florida slipped peacefully from this world on April 13th, 2024 at the age of 93, joining his beloved daughter, Dawn Elizabeth (Doucette) Davis and his granddaughter, Charleen Margaret Black. He is survived by his daughters, Susan Black and Kimberly Bradford, son-in-law Richard Bradford, his partner of 48 years, Carole Phillips and her children, Kelly and George Phillips, his former wife, Margaret Doucette, and his brother, Edward, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. Donald was also predeceased by his mother, Irene (Desmarais) Doucette, his father, Charles Doucette, and his siblings, Helen, Richard, Ralph, Shirley, Charles, Margaret, Alice, Dorothy, and Robert.
Born in Haverhill, MA on April 7th, 1931, Donald attended public elementary school there and received secondary education at Essex Agricultural High School. He was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War and served honorably, though very reluctantly, in the 45th Infantry Division from 1950 to 1953. Although heartbroken by the human tragedy of war, Donald achieved peace of mind about his service through his involvement with The Korean War Veterans Association of Greater Haverhill later in life. He shared with family members that he had gained exposure to the perspectives of Korean-Americans about the role of U.S. forces in resolving the Korean conflict and was greatly comforted to hear their views. Eventually, he was able to take pride in having been of some help to the people of Korea.
In his youth, Donald worked mostly in manufacturing settings, but he eventually found that his war-related disabilities made full-time employment unsustainable. Although he spent much of his life in ill health, Donald was always available to help others in need of some practical assistance, a listening ear, and useful suggestions about everything from personal struggles to financial quandaries. Blessed with what he called a “head for numbers” and a heart for “the little guy,” he was often sought out for assistance with issues related to personal finance and taxes.
Donald’s love of reading, sharp insight, and quick wit made him an ideal conversation partner. He loved true crime stories, home improvement projects, and long road trips. He was also was an accomplished pool-player and enjoyed outings at the racetrack. Donald was perhaps best known in Greater Haverhill for his willingness to reach out and help others who struggled, as he had, with alcohol abuse and trauma.
While Donald concluded his journey at The Pines of Sarasota, his loved ones enjoyed the privilege of spending a great deal of quality time with him, surrounding him with loving care, conversation, entertainment, and celebration during his final months. His family and friends are immensely grateful for the skillful and caring support of the staff at The Pines of Sarasota and Tidewell Hospice, which helped to fill his last days with comfort and contentment.
Donations (to benefit local veterans in need) can be made in Donald’s memory to Veterans Northeast Outreach Center at 10 Reed Street, Haverhill MA.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to a memorial service on Saturday July 13 at 2:30 PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home 486 Main St. Haverhill. Calling hours will precede the memorial service from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com
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