Donald F. Massey

Waterville, Maine - Donald Francis Massey, 85, of Winslow, passed away peacefully at Oak Grove Nursing Home, on May 24, 2017, with his loving wife by his side. Donald was born on February 16, 1932 in Waterville, Maine, the youngest child of Louis and Mary Anne (Thibodeau) Massey.

Don graduated from Waterville High School in 1951 where he excelled as an athlete in football, basketball and baseball. After graduating high school, Don enlisted in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956 and then became a Korean War veteran.

On September 21, 1957, Don married the love of his life, Patricia (Gagne). After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Don worked at Houle's Plumbing and Heating, where he began his career. He then worked at Keyes Fibre mill, where he retired from in 1991.

During his younger years as a father, Don was dedicated to spending as much time as possible with his family. He was an excellent little league coach as well as an umpire. He also spent each winter flooding the neighborhood basketball court so neighborhood children could ice skate. Don also enjoyed spending time and creating memories with his family at their camp on Moosehead Lake.

Once retired, Don spent a lot of his time helping out family and friends, as he was always doing things for others. He helped raise his grandchildren. He could always be found at his brother's establishment, Steve's Restaurant or sitting out in front of his garage, waving to each person who went by. He became a self-taught carpenter in his retirement, crafting beautiful pieces of furniture for both family and friends.

Don was predeceased by his parents; sons Bruce and Michael Massey; brothers Nelson, Joseph, Edward ("Pee Wee"), Alfred, George and Steve; sisters Irene Brown and Rita Wetzler; half-sister Margaret Stewart; half-brothers John and Leo Gaudet; and son-in-law Todd Labbe.

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia; daughter Brenda Massey-Labbe; son Todd Massey and wife Cheryl, grandchildren Brittney Massey-Labbe, Kurt Massey, Brian Massey and Kayla Massey; sister-in-law Bernadette Massey; and several nieces and nephews whom he loved very much.

A special thank you to the staff at Oak Grove Nursing Home, MaineGeneral HomeCare & Hospice, and Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area for the wonderful care that Don received.

There will be a committal service on Tuesday June 6, 2017 at 9:00 am at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 163 Mount Vernon Road, Augusta. A reception will follow at the Winslow VFW Hall, 175 Veteran Drive, Winslow, Maine 04901. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Don’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, 304 Upper Main Street, Waterville, Maine 04901.

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For Those I Love, For Those Who Love Me

by Ardis Marletta

When I am gone release me, please just let me go.

I have so many things to do, I leave you now and so;

You must not suffer for my loss or bother with the tears

Just be grateful we shared all these many years;

I gave you my love, and you can only guess

How in return you gave me so much happiness;

I thank you for the love each of you have shown

But now it’s time I traveled went on ahead alone;

So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must

But know that I am now with the Lord I trust;

It’s only for a while that we must be apart

I am there in the memories encased within your heart;

I won’t be far, for life will go on some.

When you need me, call me, and I will come;

You won’t see me nor touch me, but I’ll be near.

Never too far to comfort your hurt or a tear

Listen to your heart…my whispers you’ll hear.

All my love around you soft and near.

When your time has come to make your way alone

I’ll greet you, smile, and whisper…"Welcome Home."