Donald Herbert Lally

Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on November 1, 1943, he was the treasured and only child of the late Maurice and Bertha (Gagnon) Lally. Although he was raised in North Andover, Don spent his teenage and early adult years hanging out in Andover, MA, moments which were fondly captured in the publication Elm Square: the photographs of Richard Graber, 1962-1969. Don graduated from Central Catholic High School and completed an engineering degree from Lowell Technological Institute. He eventually earned two masters’ degrees in engineering and business. For over thirty years, he was employed as a quality control engineer in missile defense systems for Raytheon.

In his younger years, Don enjoyed participating in softball and candlepin bowling leagues. He raised his family in Salem, New Hampshire, and with them spent summer weekends boating on Lake Ossipee, skiing in the White Mountains and visiting Disney World regularly. A dedicated father, he is remembered for throwing around the softball with his daughters in the front yard, playing basketball in the driveway and building their childhood swing set by hand; his unwavering support was such that he never missed a track meet, a field hockey game or a dance competition. He was an avid fan of all New England sports teams, read every local newspaper (even after moving to Florida), enjoyed game night with Polly and friends and was an active member and the hospitality chairman for the Marco Men’s Club. Don and Polly achieved their dream of moving to Marco Island, and in retirement travelled to America’s National Parks, the Pacific Coast Highway, Hawaii and all over Europe. Donald will be deeply missed by those who knew him for his integrity, humility, sharp wit and sense of humor. Above all, Don was a devoted husband, committed father, and very proud grandfather.

Besides his beloved wife of 57 years, Polly, whom he took care of for the last years of his life, Donald is survived by his loving daughters and sons-in-law; Stacey and her husband Martin Auger of Hampstead, NH and Cailin and John Drugan of Brookline, NH, grandchildren; Ryan and Lily Auger and Tess and Teddy Drugan.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.