A cold winter day like today would’ve resulted in an indoor “conference” as Don liked to refer to them, but I was always fond of our daily outdoor meetings, on the stoop where we first met. In my 5 years living on Beacon Street, there was nobody I saw more than Don. We chatted about small things like sports and weather, but I often got to hear of an older world and Boston where he had lived in many sections of, but mostly in many places in Fenway. He was good to the neighborhood, cleaning trash and reminding neighbors of packages that were delivered, and in turn the neighborhood was good to him. There are few places where a person can live til 88 with little assistance day to day. He was polite and caring, but had jokes to lighten the mood and comment on current culture. The busy bee and Mellisa were staples of his day, as were stoop cigarettes and errands in the area. I was inspired by Don’s strength and independence that was paired with humility and optimism. I miss him dearly and think of him with small reminders that I hope carry on his story. The things I’d do to meet out on the stoop after a workday when the brick was still warm and Boston had cooled down to a balmy evening. Cheers Don :) - Kelan 924 Beacon St #2

To the Upham Family:
I came across this sad news in yesterday’s Boston Globe and wanted to express my sincere condolences. I got to know Don through the Audubon Circle Neighborhood Assn. (ACNA).
Don was a very good neighbor and always very friendly to me. Plus, many years ago,, in the 1980’s, he was on the ACNA Board.
But what I remember most about him is how he kept his block of Beacon St. between Park Drive and St. Mary’s St. totally free of litter. Every day, rain or shine, he’d go up and down the block, picking up even the tiniest piece of litter, including cigarette butts, some of which might have been his!
Don was definitely an asset to Audubon Circle for well over 45 years.
About 10 years ago, he shared with me that he had prostate cancer, but he seems to have beaten it. Lastly, I’ll mention that his nephew kindly brought him to our ACNA Halloween Block Party on Keswick St. in 2024, and it was wonderful to see him. You’ve lost a great relative, valued by his neighbors. 
Kathy Greenough

To the Upham Family: I came across this sad news in yesterday’s Boston Globe and  wanted to convey my condolences to all of you.  I knew Don through the Audubon Circle Neighborhood Assn. (ACNA). 
Don was a such good neighbor and always very friendly to me whenever I saw him on Beacon Strret. Many years ago, in the 1980’s,  he was on the ACNA Board.
But what I remember most about Don is how he kept his block of Beacon St. between Park Drive and St. Mary’s St. totally free of litter. Every day, rain or shine, he’d go up and down the block, picking up even the tiniest piece of litter, including cigarette butts, some of which might have been his!
Don was definitely an asset to Audubon Circle for well over 45 years.
About 10 years ago, he shared with me that he had prostate cancer, but he seems to have beaten it and was always very cheerful. Lastly, I’ll mention that his nephew kindly brought him to our ACNA Halloween Block Party on Keswick St. in 2024, and it was wonderful to see him.
﻿You’ve lost a dear, kind relative who was appreciated by his neighbors. Sincerely, 
Kathy Greenough

Sincere thanks for the devoted military service you gave to the people of this nation. May you rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Donald R. Upham

July 26, 1935 – November 25, 2025

J.S. Waterman Langone Chapel

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