Donald Francis LeSage

Donald Francis LeSage, age 98, of Swansea, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Thomasville, NC, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of the late Marvis E. (Floyd) LeSage.

Born in North Adams, Massachusetts, Donald was the son of the late Henry and Aurore (Circe) LeSage. In 1958, he moved to Swansea, where he raised his family and became deeply involved in the life of the community.

Donald was a graduate of Drury High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a radarman during World War II. Following his military service, he earned a degree in Chemistry from Williams College in 1949.

Donald spent most of his professional career with Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., beginning in their retail stores and rising through the ranks to become a Regional Director. He retired in 1996 after decades of dedicated service.

A gifted athlete, Donald was an avid baseball and football player in high school and college, earning a scholarship to Williams College where he served as captain of both the baseball and football team for two years. He also bowled a perfect game while captain of his bowling league at the Quequechan Club.

His commitment to service extended well beyond sports. He served on numerous boards and committees in the Town of Swansea, including the School Committee and the Advisory and Finance Committee, and was a town selectman for 21 years. He also served on the boards of Swansea Ambulance and BayCoast Bank.

Donald was a devoted parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church and a member of the Quequechan Club, the Rotary Club of Fall River, the Fall River Book Club, and the Seabreeze Golf Club at Touisset Country Club where he earned his nickname, "Down the Middle Don." He was the founder of Freddy’s Golf Club at Swansea Country Club and coached Swansea Little League and Senior League for many years.

In addition to golf, Don enjoyed cheering for the New York Yankees, building wooden models, and celebrating Christmas—especially when surrounded by family and friends. He was an avid reader and a devoted supporter of the Friends of the Swansea Public Library. A passionate card player, he looked forward to playing Bridge twice a week at the Barrington Council on Aging and spending one evening a week playing Pitch with his friends from the Highlands in Fall River.

He is survived by his children: Kimberley Kirsch LeSage and her husband Richard of Thomasville, NC; Stephen “Chad” LeSage and his wife Diana of Key West, FL; Reid LeSage and his wife Nathalie of Berkley, MA; and Mitchell LeSage and his wife Patty of Berkley, MA. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Shawn, Maggie, Callie, Seth, Sawyer, Breana, Marc, Jessica, and Stephen; his great-grandchildren: Brooke, Tucker, Conrad, Mallory, Mackenzie, Huckleberry, and Willow; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was the grandfather of the late Kevin Rougeau and brother of the late Hank LeSage, Bernard LeSage and Joy Callahan.

His Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 530 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea. Relatives and friends are invited and asked to report directly to church. Visitation will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea. Contributions in his honor may be made to the Swansea Ambulance Corps, 285 Wilbur Ave., Swansea, MA 02777. Burial will be private.