Donald F. Theodore

03/14/1931 - 12/30/2021

It's with the deepest sorrow that this obituary must announce the passing of the most gentle, kind, patient, and generous man his family has ever had the pleasure of loving. Donald Francis Theodore died at home with family and hospice care on December 30th, 2021 after a brief illness at the age of 90 years.

Don was born March 14, 1931 and was the only child of Anthony Theodore and Anna (McCarthy) Theodore. He grew up in New Bedford and graduated from New Bedford High School in 1949. He went on to attend the Swain School of Design and soon transferred to Boston University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Practical Arts and his Master's Degree in Education. During that time of study, he also experienced what he always referred to as the greatest joy of his life when he married his high school sweetheart, Theresa Ann Rocha, on April 15, 1955.

He and his new bride moved to White Plains, NY later that year and he found professional work at the Pound Ridge and Bedford Village Elementary Schools as a Guidance Counselor. In 1957, he answered the call to serve his Country and spent the next two years with a specialized United States Army Unit in Korea. He returned to the States and continued to serve in the Army Reserve until 1962. Shortly thereafter, after trying to have children without success, he and Theresa adopted two sons, Mark in 1964 and Tom in 1966. He moved his family to Fairfield, Connecticut and received additional advanced education to become an Elementary School Principal for the Mount Kisco, NY schools he had worked in prior to military service.

Don was a dedicated family man, committed husband, and a most wonderful father. He nurtured his family and shared his love of exploring the country with them. In 1978, he packed them into a RV and while on an educational sabbatical, spent the entire Summer traveling coast to coast. He created more memories with trips to Canada, Bermuda, and Antigua.

Don retired in 1986 at the age of 55. A few years later, he and wife, Terry, moved to Hilton Head Island, SC to pursue their retirement dreams. They traveled to Europe with friends on several occasions, played golf, enjoyed the beaches, and volunteered for their church's thrift shop. As educators both, they gained and gave friendship to people wherever they went. Terry developed Alzheimer's Disease in 2005 and sadly passed away from it's gradual physical and mental debilitation in 2010. Don kept her with him at home to provide round the clock care for her until their 55 years of loving marriage ended with her death.

Don remained in Hilton Head for several more years, continuing to play golf and teach watercolor painting at the local community center. He was an accomplished artist in the style of painting shared by Arthur Moniz of New Bedford, MA notoriety. As his strength slowly wained, he finally agreed to move to Dartmouth, MA to live in an addition apartment created for him by his son, Mark. He spent his days painting, driving, and visiting with his family. He enjoyed good restaurants and a tall glasses of Malbec wine. He lived a full life and was loved beyond measure by his family and friends. He was active and independent until his fall in mid December.

Don will be missed and is survived by his son, Mark Theodore and long-time girlfriend, Brenda McGovern of Dartmouth, MA, son Thomas Theodore of New Bedford, MA, grandson, Richard Theodore and his wife, Kelly (Francis) Theodore of Acushnet, MA, granddaughter, Mariah Theodore of New Bedford, MA, granddaughter, Julia Theodore of Dartmouth MA, and daughter-in-law, Catherine Theodore of Dartmouth, MA.

Donald's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 21 , 2022 at 10:00AM in St. Mary's Church, 795 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth followed by burial in St. John's Cemetery, Allen Street, New Bedford. Arrangements are in the care of the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME at DARTMOUTH, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth, MA 02748. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com