Donald Willard

Donald Willard of Gulf Breeze, FL, formerly of Tewksbury; 77 Pensacola, FL Donald Willard, age 77, passed away on September 23, 2008 in Pensacola, FL after a two year battle with lung cancer. He passed away peacefully with his children Tom and Marianne by his side holding his hands. Don was born in Somerville, MA and became a lifelong resident of Tewksbury where he enjoyed life with neighbors and friends. A veteran, Don proudly wore parachute wings tattooed on his arm as a member of the 101st Airborne. A union man and glazier by trade, he helped install much of the glass in Boston's tallest buildings. He was a simple man who lived a simple life, providing for his family and trusting those closest to him. He moved to the panhandle of Florida two years ago after separating from his wife Kay when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He settled comfortably into his new home at the Bay Breeze Assisted Living Center in Gulf Breeze, FL. He enjoyed the staff, daily bingo and poker nights, and the new friends he met at the center. Through the daily support from his daughter Marianne and her husband Neal, Don far exceeded the doctor's expectations on both his life and quality of life. He was truly happy in his new home. Don was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary, his first wife Mary, his second wife Emma, his oldest son Bob, his brothers Phillip, John, and sister Louise. He is survived by his brothers George and David, his son Tom who resides with his family in South Florida and daughter Marianne Catyb and her family who live in the panhandle of Florida, and stepdaughter Debbie Bodemann, daughter of Emma, and her family of Westford. Don had many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. WILLARD A Mass will be held at noon on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at St Williams Catholic Church in Tewksbury. Immediately following the service there will be a gathering of family and friends at the Tewksbury Elks from 1 to 4 pm, where Don was a lifelong member. He will be laid to rest with the love of his life Mary and his son Bob.