Photo courtesy of Manning-Heffern-O’Neill Funeral Home - Pawtucket
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
May 8, 1945 – Nov 5, 2022 (Age 77)
Donald Paul Suggs, of Pawtucket, died on Saturday, November 5th at the Hope Health Hospice Center in Providence. He was 77 years old.
During the 1960s Donald was considered one of the top basketball players in the country, playing for Tolman High School in Pawtucket, where he still holds the record for scoring the most points in a single season (501 in 1963-64). After graduating from high school, he went on to have a memorable basketball career at Rhode Island College. Donald was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009 and recognized in 2012 as a Basketball Legend by the Rhode Island Interscholastic League.
A proud member of the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers, Donald worked at the Adult Correctional Institute for over thirty years. He helped pioneer the Score Program, implemented to help reduce youth incarceration. Prior to his illness, Donald coached and officiated softball throughout Rhode Island and was a coach, friend, and mentor to youth of all ages at The Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket. Donald was a huge sports fan, especially his beloved New York Yankees and Boston Celtics.
He is predeceased by his parents Viola Addison and Frank Suggs and his brother William and sisters Joyce, Maria and Carol. He is survived by his children Deborah-Jane and Justin, daughter-in-law Ann, grandchildren Marcus and Maya and sisters Virginia Walker, Barbara Gibbs, Elizabeth Wallace and brothers Richard Addison and Gerald Suggs, as well as his cherished puggle Emma. Donald was a friend to many and the beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Funeral Service Tuesday, November 15th at 11:00 AM in the Costigan-O’Neill Funeral Home, 220 Cottage Pawtucket.
Visiting hours Tuesday from 9-11 AM, prior to the Service in the Costigan-O’Neill Funeral Home. The burial will be private.
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Don was like a brother to me and I respected him not only as the team super star on our championship basketball team but as a true friend and confidant. It is my hope that I will see him again when it is my turn to see the eternal light of our creator.
Jim “Squash” Squadrito ❤❤
Jim Squadrito
November 02, 2025 | Fort Myers, FL | Friend
Had many memories of this legend on the basketball court and as a true friend. Hopefully I will join you again someday shooting hoops.
Squash
September 02, 2024 | Friend
I learned of Donald's passing at Tolman's 60th reunion. He was a remarkable basketball player but more than that, brought a true spirit to our school and our class. Rest in Peace Donald, you made high school that much more memorable for me.
Eric Marks
August 13, 2024 | Rockville, MD | Classmate
Don I played with you at Tolman. I enjoyed every time we played. Pat Breault 1961
Patrick Breault
April 03, 2024 | Dartmouth, MA | Classmate
My Donald D, you fought a good fight, see you when I get there!!!
Rochelle Gibbs
April 24, 2023 | Pawtucket, RI | Family
I MET DONALD 20 YEARS AGO, HE WAS SUCH A KIND, CARING AND COMPASSIONATE MAN. A TRUE GENTLE GIANT,WHO LOVED HIS FAMILY VERY MUCH. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY, PAM LEAH
PAM LEAH
January 15, 2023 | SOMERSET, MA | Friend
Godspeed donnie you were a good man and friend see you on the other side my brother
George Elefsiades
January 14, 2023 | Mt Washington Valley, NH | Coworker
I knew Don for many years from working as a pharmacist at the CVS on Newport Ave in Pawtucket. We used to meet at the dog park where our two dogs would play. He would always bring Emma into the store to see me. I will miss his gentle spirit and constant smile. I will miss my friend forever. Please accept my deepest condolences, for losing Don is a huge loss for this weary world.
Dale Agostinelli
December 21, 2022 | Friend
I remember suggs swimming at mccales and the boys club
Timothy donahue
December 08, 2022 | School