MOSHER, Donald Allen The art world has lost a master painter and New England treasure. The world in general has lost a generous, kind and gentle man with the passing of Donald Allen Mosher, on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, following a long and brave fight with a rare form of blood cancer. By his side throughout was his beloved wife Christine, his wife of 45 years, his daughter Heather, his son in-law Frank Militello and his"Angel" his grand-daughter Cosima. Donald was born October 11, 1945 in Everett, MA. The son of the late Allen and Florence Post Mosher, the second child in a family of three girls and two boys. Donald is survived by his three sisters Joan Knapp, Barbara Melanson and Sue Farraina and predeceased by his brother, Bob Mosher. They lived in Malden for 9 years before moving to Topsfield and later Saugus where Donald graduated with the Saugus High School class of 1963. Donald went on to study at Vesper George School of Art in Boston where he met and fell in love with his wife Christine. They married in 1969 and two years later they had their baby girl whom they named Heather who grew up to be an artist just like her parents. They settled in Cape Ann in 1974 in the Rocky Neck Art Colony and in 1980 they bought the Gallery in Rockport that is home to their artwork today. Donald won his first art prize when he was nine, and since has accumulated over 200 painting awards, including many Gold and Silver. He has been featured in several national publications such as Yankee Magazine and American Artist Magazine. His work hangs in the Peabody Essex Museum, the State House and is featured in the Rockefeller collection. He is a member of many Art Associations and was President of the Rockport Art Association. Donald often talked with joy about his blessed life of family, friends, travel and golf. It seems everywhere he went he knew someone, and if he didn't he soon would and they would be fast friends. He always knew what he wanted to do and that was to be an artist and paint this beautiful world the way he saw it. And he did. He always wanted to be a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son, Brother and Friend. And he was. He will paint a beautiful sky for Cosima every day now. He will be forever sorrowfully missed. "Being an artist is something that you have to do, or you can't do it" -Donald Allen Mosher. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 11, starting at 6:00 p.m. in the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street, Rockport, MA. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend. Visiting hours in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA will be held on Sunday from 4 - 8 p.m. The burial will be held privately. Online condolences may be given at

www.greelyfuneralhome.com

Greely Funeral Home, Gloucester, MA

978-283-0698

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 7 to Aug. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for DONALD MOSHER

35 Entries

Heather Mosher

September 9, 2020

I miss you daddy.

Thomas Hayes

August 5, 2020

Can't believe six years have passed. I am reminded of him and his amazing talent, sense of humor, character, and love. Every wall in my living area contains a work of his. Most of all, I remember THE TIMES we shared. Our first encounter on a frigid night in Naples as my wife and I were ready to take the bus to Naples and Chris and Don were also waiting. We introduced ourselves and when the Naples police officer recommended we eat at the hotel rather than risk our live--we did as he said. Thus began a decades long friendship filled with laughs, travel, and adventure. I love him like a brother. A character like we read about. Right out of a Hemingway novel. Donald the world will NEVER be able to duplicate you. We remember and miss you daily.

Tom Hayes

James Tumblin

October 25, 2016

I just purchased an amazing Donald Allen Mosher Lighthouse Watercolor circa 1983. In a word, it is beautiful! Thank you, Donald, for sharing your gifts.

Ronald Hegdahl

June 14, 2016

I went to the library today to follow up on some info and get ready for a trip to Gloucester/Rockport this summer with my Valentine and my first entry was to see if the Mosher Gallery is still open and discovered the tremendous loss of Mr. Donald Mosher in 2014! I lost my wife of 51+ years in 2013 due to complications following open heart surgery. My wife and I visited Gloucester/Rockport nearly every other week for some time before we moved there for a few years and lived on Ledge Road. On one visit my wife saw a painting she could not get out of her mind and of course I bought it and it is the center of our small collection even now! I am beginning to come out of my desolation recently and have revisited a few of our old haunts and will certainly revisit the place we always went to every time we were in Gloucester or Rockport in the past. My condolences to Mrs. Mosher and their extended family and I will say a prayer for the family and Mr Mosher with sadness in my heart.

Phil Bissell

August 8, 2014

My thoughts are filled with the golf days and fun with Don... Another great lefty! Warmly, Phil Bissell

Joe Alabiso

August 8, 2014

My condolences to the Mosher family. Don was a customer of mine for many years. He was a wonderful artist and a great person to deal with. Joe Alabiso Fredrix Artist Canvas MCS Picture Frames

Mark Wile

August 8, 2014

Those of us lucky enough to have had Donald Mosher in our lives are profoundly sad tonight, but his kindness, generosity and humor will always be with us.

Russ duPont

January 12, 2016

Just stumbled across Donald's obituary. Don and I knew each other way, way back when we both worked in advertising at The Stop and Shop Companies. We hung out a little and Donald did a pastel,portrait of me. We both moved on and fell out of touch. Sorry to read that he is gone.

Russ duPont

March 20, 2015

Dear Christine,
We truly enjoyed out brief acquaintance with Donald, who fought bravely for all of the minutes of his life. He was a "real" person without pretentions; it was an honor to know him. Our love to you from the beach in Naples.
Fondly, Penny and Jules Corn

Caroline DiMatteo

February 16, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about his passing. I am originally from Boston, have been in CA since 1999. I am one of the lucky ones to own an original painting of the Charles River.
Please accept my condolences. The art world has lost a great one.

October 21, 2014

Sorry to hear of Don's passing....he was a good friend and enjoyed painting with him in Rockport. Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Michael Labiak.

September 16, 2014

My Mum just shared the sad news of Don's passing with me, upon her return from Rockport, to Montreal. I am so proud to say that I have some of his beautiful works hanging in my home here in London Ontario. When in Rockport, it has always been part of our routine, to go into the Gallery, even if to just say hello. Although I do not get down every year anymore, I was so thrilled to have purchased my last painting last year (August 2013), which I gave to my son for his birthday. I have just gone to look at each of his works hanging in my home. They have always been treasures and it has been as though Don Mosher has been a part of my home and family. My sincere sympathies to you all. Betsy Hamilton, London, Ontario, Canada

Just another field of color Donald

C.James Frazier

September 10, 2014

So sorry to hear the news. I have always enjoyed viewing Donald's paintings. Thanks Donald for your artistic images.
C. James Frazier

Gerry and Olive O Connor

August 27, 2014

Donald will always be our memory and we were so sad to hear this sad news.Our deepest sympathy to all the family

August 25, 2014

Donald was a wonderful, kind gentle
person I am
proud to have know. He will be
greatly missed. My deepest
sympathy to your family
Susan Sheldon

August 13, 2014

I remember admiring Dons paintings when I first started painting. I think it was Jeffersonville in the depth of winter when I had my first chance to paint with him. We became good friends and he began to call me up when he came to maine. The memories I have of painting with him and Tom Heinsen .the stories, the commraderie , I'll never forget. Thanks Don for letting me paint with you....i'll miss you. Stefan Pastuhov

August 13, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss, I remember don and his wife at the Gull in Gloucester with Uncle George. We are fortunate to have a couple of Don's oil paintings Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Christine & Peter Grammas jr

August 12, 2014

RIP BROTHER AN OLD FRIEND FROM SAUGUS.MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES
PAUL ODONNELL

August 11, 2014

We admired his piantings and a good frendship at Kings Port Bryce & Francoise Dwason

My grandmother Bought this painting circa 19569 at a church. Rummage sale. I love this painting--Little Nahant,Massachusetts

Scott S

August 10, 2014

Clinton LeBlanc

August 10, 2014

So sorry to hear of Don's passing. I remember him fondly. He used to live in my mom's house in Saugus. My sister has 2 incredible oil paintings he did of ships. Have great memories of playing street hockey and softball as well. Feel honored to have known him back then and proud of what a fine artist he became.

Sally and Chris Honenberger

August 10, 2014

He was such a welcoming host downtown whenever we visited from Virginia. Generous to the novice and art collector both. We will miss seeing him in the gallery.

Tom Hayes

August 10, 2014

A majestic and marvelous human...No body could contain Donald's spirit and love. The world was and is blessed to have had him visit this plane for too short a time. He left a footprint that is impossible for others to fill. Donald, you were and are pivotal to my life's story. You were there for the best and worst of my times and shifted my destiny. There is no other human who has had such an impact on my life. I miss you and love you!

Jo Ann @ Gary Sherman

August 10, 2014

What an artist! What a kind and lovely human being! You will be missed!

marie wood

August 9, 2014

It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

August 9, 2014

My condolences to his family. He was a gifted artist, I know I was one of his many students.R.I.P., Donald.

August 8, 2014

I will miss my wonderful nephew. Love you.
Aunt Jessie

Carolyn young

August 8, 2014

I am so blessed to have had a friend like Donald. I will always
be thankful. Much love to Christine & Heather.

August 8, 2014

Christine,
We so loved our times with you and Donald and always thought we were privileged to know you both. Our sorrow over his loss cannot be measured and we will miss him always. Please know we are here for anything you or your family may need. With much love, Joe and Amalia

Mary Robblee

August 8, 2014

Dear Christine,
We are so sorry to hear of Donald passing. Our deepest sympathy to you Heather and Cosima. We have revisited the fun days on Allison Rd. We were all starting our lives journey. Such wonderful memories.
Sincerely,
Mary, Patrick, Timothy Robblee

August 8, 2014

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON YOUR LOSS
I WAS A GOOD FRIEND OF DONS BROTHER BOB.I PLAYED SOFTBALL WITH DON DECADES AGO.HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF HIS DEATH.
PAUL KAVALCHUK
RYE NH

Nancy Caissie

August 8, 2014

You will forever live in our hearts and prayers...Sending my deepest sympathies to Christine.Heather Fran and Cosima....

August 8, 2014

Will miss you Don, we go back to the Rich's days, I still have Harry's Kitchen artwork he created.

SOARIN' together in EPCOT at Walt Disney World 10-28-11

Fern and Mike Karas

August 7, 2014

Dear Christine,
Our hearts are broken knowing Don is gone. We will cherish the times we always enjoyed with you both. Lots of laughs, good food, and loads of fun. Don was kind and generous and a true friend. We will miss our lively discussions on art and critiques of artworks. We will miss Don's smile and his laugh. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and Heather at this most difficult time. We hope your love and memories of Don will give you both strength and courage in the days and months ahead.
All our love and friendship,

Fern and Mike

Barbara Melanson

August 7, 2014

I love you Don and will miss you terribly. Say hi to Mom and Bob and I'll agree, you were her favorite child. Haha

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