Donald Gerald Preskenis

Donald Gerald Preskenis, age 91, of Harwich, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2024. Born on September 22, 1932, in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in West Roxbury, MA, he was the beloved son of the late William and Margaret (Keegan) Preskenis. His life was a testament to the love and loyalty he cultivated among his cherished circle of family and friends.

Donald, affectionately known as Don, was the devoted husband of June I. Preskenis (McDonough) for a loving 66 years. Together, they raised their family in Norwood, Massachusetts. Don is survived by his four adoring children: Mark G. Preskenis and wife Kim of Bedford, NH, Linda J. Ganovsky and husband Mark of Calhoun, GA, Donald E. Preskenis and wife Tina of Raleigh, NC, and Donna M. Feola and husband John of Franklin, MA. He was the treasured Pops and Grandpa to his grandchildren Kevin Preskenis and wife Jazmin, Matthew Preskenis and wife Lauren, Ryan Preskenis and fiancée Jessica Woolfe, and Devin Preskenis. Don is also survived by his sister Linda Kelley and her husband Bill, of Franklin, MA and many nieces and nephews.

Don was predeceased by his brother William Preskenis and his wife Mary and his brother Robert Preskenis and his wife Eileen.

A proud alumnus of Boston College earning a BS in History and Government,1954, Don served honorably in the United States Naval Reserve and the United States Navy before embarking on a distinguished career in the defense industry. As a Specification Engineer and manager for companies Raytheon and GTE, he earned respect and admiration for his work on pivotal projects like the Hawk Missile, Minute Man Missile, Lithium Battery, and MX Peacekeeper programs before retiring from GTE to Harwich, MA in September of 1990.

A man of faith, Don was a long-time parishioner at Holy Redeemer Church in Chatham, MA. He relished in hobbies that included cheering on his beloved Boston sports teams and his Boston College Eagles, walking, swimming, and reading. Don's winters were warmly spent in Vero Beach, Florida, escaping the chill of Boston winters. He was a proud member of the Boston College Club of Cape Cod.

The family invites friends and relatives to honor and celebrate Donald's life during the visiting hours at Our Lady of Grace, 60 Meeting House Road, South Chatham, MA, on Monday, June 24th, at 10:00 am. This will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment is to be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Harwichport, with a continuation of his life celebration at the Preskenis residence, 10 Martha Eaton Court, Harwich.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities Boston at www.ccab.org, honoring Donald's memory.

The Preskenis family has entrusted arrangements to Nickerson Funeral Home, Chatham, MA.