Donald R. Prior

Born in Providence, the son of the late Joseph M. and Ruth (Boss) Prior, Donald attended Lasalle Academy before meeting the love of his life Elizabeth “Betty” Prior with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.

Together, they built a life they loved, raising four children. He served honorably in the Rhode Island National Guard followed by a career in management with Star Market, retiring in 1990. Throughout it all his focus forever remained on his purpose for living: his wife, children, grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. There wasn’t a game, recital, or chance to visit he missed.

Donald was an avid New England sports fan, history buff and enjoyed the best of everything life had to offer. Known for his gentle presence, wit and wisdom, there was seldom a time his twinkling Irish eyes were not smiling. He will be forever missed and kept in the hearts of all that knew and loved him.

In addition to his loving wife Betty, Donald is survived by his daughter Linda J. DaPonte and companion Michael Berube of Swansea, son Donald R. Prior Jr. and wife Lorrie of Swansea, and daughter Kathleen A. Prior-Vaz and her husband Marcelo of Gorham, Maine; his brother Earle Prior and wife Kathy of Maryland; his five grandchildren: Joshua, Lauren (Farinha), Kayla, Lindsey and Brett and two beloved great grandchildren William and Jack Farinha.

He was the father of the late Steven A. Prior, father in law to the late William J. DaPonte and brother to the late Joseph Jr. and Robert Prior.

His Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary of the Bay Parish, 645 Main Street, Warren. Burial will be private. Arrangements are in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, Swansea. For directions and tributes, www.waring-sullivan.com