Donald J. Alusic

1942 - 2017

Donald J. Alusic died peacefully Monday morning October 2, 2017 at the Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association in Brookline, MA. Don was a profoundly faithful, peace-loving man, who continually explored learning and creativity, especially focused on spiritual growth. Born in 1942 to Mary Elizabeth Alusic (Ne Mutimer) and Joseph Alusic of Elmhurst, Illinois, Don graduated from York High School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, then earned a Masters from MIT's Sloan School of Management. Don was President of his High School Senior Class and was instrumental in organizing its 50th and 55th reunions. Don had a long career in computer marketing and program management as part of the original Digital Equipment Corporation, later Compaq and then Hewlett Packard. After residing in Acton, MA for 5 years, Don relocated to Amherst, New Hampshire where he lived for 40 years. Don and his first wife Valdeane Alusic had two children, Erika Alusic-Bingham, now of Antrim, NH, and Lorin Alusic, now of Sacramento, CA. Don later married Sophia Rallis and stepson Chris Ohnesorge joined the family. In 1997, Don married Alice Gilmore Alusic. The love and support he found in their partnership enabled Don to try new things, explore his creativity, and laugh heartily. Don pitched for the 1960 Illinois State Champions York High School team and was a member of the undefeated 1962 MIT Basketball team. Don loved outdoor activity of all kinds and was an avid photographer. He supported local music, theater and the arts. Don also enjoyed the companionship of cherished family cats Sundae, Miss Kitty, and Dandelion. Dons love for all of his grandchildren was evident in the way he listened when they spoke, cheered when they performed, and laughed at their antics. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, who will always cherish their special times with him and loved him deeply. Don visited the countries known today as the Czech Republic and Slovakia just before the 1989 non-violent overthrow of that nations Communist government. After retiring, Don created a documentary film on the role spirituality and religion played in the success of the negotiations that produced the 1905 Portsmouth Peace Treaty. Don enjoyed showing the film and leading thoughtful community discussions about prayer and peace. Honoring his late wife Alices Peace Corps service, Don traveled to Cusco, Peru, bringing laptop computers to the local school with lessons he created for the children. He blogged about this journey in Peru Learnings. Don was an active member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Milford,NH, where he was a reader and Sunday School teacher. He also participated in the Souhegan Valley Chorus. In recent years he was dedicated to serving as a Christian Science practitioner. Don is survived by his younger brother Robert Alusic of Maryland, and beloved children Erika Alusic-Bingham and husband Michael Alusic-Bingham, Lorin Alusic and wife Jennifer Trudel-Alusic, Caryn-Amy Rose and husband Jeffrey Schindler, Matthew King and wife Kristen Young-King, and step-son Chris Ohnesorge, as well as cherished grandchildren Aidan and Malin Alusic-Bingham, Hugo Alusic, Corey Young King, and Kelly Iuliano. He has two great-grandchildren, Joseph Jr. and Jacob Iuliano. A celebration service is being planned for 4:00 Monday afternoon, October 23 at The First Congregational Church Parish House, 10 Union Street, Milford, NH. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Church of Christ, Scientist, 103 South St., Milford, NH 03055, or Greyhound Friends, 167 Saddle Hill Rd, Hopkinton, MA 01748.