Donald Aldege Montplaisir

September 8, 1935 – November 26, 2024

Donald (Don) Aldege Montplaisir, a loving husband, devoted father, and cherished grandfather, completed his journey on November 26, 2024, at Florida Hospital, surrounded by his children, at the age of 89. Don and his beloved wife, Joan, shared more than 58 years together, building a deeply caring and loving family that includes five adult children, 13 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

Donald was born on September 8, 1935, in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, to Eddie and Irene Montplaisir and grew up alongside his sisters, Muriel Coderre and Sue LeClerc. After graduating from high school, Don joined the U.S. Air Force at 18, inspired by the opportunity for independence and the camaraderie of his friends. During basic training in upstate New York, he met the love of his life, Joan, at a roller rink. They married on August 20, 1955, in Webster, New York, and began their life together in Dover, Delaware, during Don's military assignment. It was there they started their family. After four years of honorable service, he transitioned from the Air Force to begin a rewarding civilian career.

Professionally, Don held various procurement roles at major companies, including General Dynamics, Xerox, and Kodak. In 1979, he moved to Orlando, where he worked for Control Laser and later retired from Litton Laser (now part of Northrop Grumman). He took pride in his work and valued the relationships he built with colleagues, knowing that his contributions played a role in supporting military defense.

Don’s life was guided by a simple but profound principle: "It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters." He believed in the importance of family, always prioritizing love, support, and togetherness. He accepted people’s imperfections and loved them unconditionally. He avoided conflict, encouraging everyone to get along for the greater good of the family.

As a grandfather and great-grandfather, Don was affectionately known as “Papa.” He played a vital role in raising his grandchildren, spending countless nights babysitting and attending their sports games. No matter the score, Papa's pride and encouragement were unwavering. He valued effort over results, always reminding his family that trying your best was what truly mattered.

When Joan was diagnosed with ALS, Don became her devoted caregiver, embodying strength and compassion. Despite his initial concerns about managing her care, he embraced the responsibility, saying, “After forty years of Joan taking care of me, it’s my turn to prioritize her needs and wishes.” He managed every detail—appointments, insurance, and daily care—with a cheerful and dedicated spirit. He respected everyone he encountered, always remembering the names of doctors and nurses and learning about their families.

One of the family's cherished traditions was Tuesday night dinners. For over 30 years, Don and his family gathered weekly at Rosie’s and later Friendly Confines, sharing meals and reinforcing the bonds of family. In recent years, his grandchildren continued this tradition by taking Papa to lunch once a month, a gesture that brought him immense joy and made him feel deeply loved.

Don lived a life filled with gratitude. A natural storyteller, he loved reminiscing about family celebrations, weddings, births, camping trips, and traveling with Joan. He was a loyal fan of his favorite sports teams, especially the Orlando Magic, and he brought smiles to everyone around him.

His life reflected the wisdom of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously.” Don’s spirit of gratitude, love, and resilience leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.