Donald F. Pendlebury

Donald Francis “Don” Pendlebury of Norwood and formerly of Manchester & Rumney, NH, and Spring Hill,FL passed away at home after a long illness on January 31, 2026. He was 89.

Beloved husband for 39 years of the late Lillian (Christopherson) Lane Pendlebury. Devoted father of Donna, Laura, and Kathryn, all of Norwood, and the late Margaret Ann “Margo” of Danvers, and stepfather to William “Bill”, Mark and David Lane and Kris and John Corey. Son of the late Burt and Dorothy Pendlebury of Chelsea. Brother to the late Louise O’Connell of Peabody, Dorothy Penaskovic of Bedford NH, Elaine Crowley of Wakefield, and Gail Remika of SC. He is survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

As a young man, Don served in the Marine Corps in Japan during the Korean War, an experience which had a lasting impact on his life. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1954. He later spent many years participating in the Marine Corps League Detachment 708 in Spring Hill, FL; he acted as construction manager to build their lodge, acted as adjutant for the lodge, wrote articles in their monthly newsletters to members and ran their Toys for Tots program. He acted as Florida state-wide adjutant for a term. Most importantly to him, he participated in the Honor Guard for the funerals of over 1000 veterans.

He and Lil traveled extensively, loved to go dancing and spending time with the Sons of Norway chapter on the North Shore. He maintained a vegetable garden for many years and enjoyed canning produce and making pickles and piccalilli. He loved spending time at their cabin in the woods in New Hampshire and laughing with their cherished friends there. In recent years, Don volunteered at the Norwood Senior Center and participated in the Memory Café, in honor of his wife, Lil, assisted with monthly dances, called bingo, acted as vice president on the advisory panel for the Council on Aging, and was a member of the bocci team, among other activities.

Don spent much of his career in commercial construction, acting initially as a draftsman and mechanical engineer for plumbing systems, often for construction or remodeling of Massachusetts public schools and jails, and ending as on-site construction manager for his employer. He was responsible for overseeing a complete rehab of an existing office building and factory in Boston, which was honored with a visit from then-President George H. W. Bush. Don was honored to receive a letter of thanks from President Bush after the visit. He also oversaw the construction of two new office buildings with a multi-million-dollar budget in California.

As a father, Don was seen by his girls as a man who worked hard to provide for his family and supported their many activities; he often spent time assisting his daughters in home decorating, repair and maintenance projects. His daughters were grateful for the opportunity to share his last years with him in their home.

Visiting Hours will be held in the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street (Rt. 1A) NORWOOD on Tuesday February 10, from 1-4 PM, with a Funeral Service beginning at 3:15. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial with Military Honors will take place at the New Hampshire State Veteran's Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, New Hampshire on Thursday, February 12, at 12 Noon. Please arrive at the Cemetery by 11:45 AM on Thursday.