Donald Joseph McAtavey

Donald Joseph McAtavey

DOVER - Donald Joseph McAtavey, 89, passed peacefully on Wednesday February 18, 2015 at Langdon Place in Dover, N.H.

Don was born April 6 1925, in Dover, N.H. the son of James Michael and Mabel (Illingworth) McAtavey. Upon graduating high school Don enlisted in the Navy and saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific during World War II. After returning from the war, Donald married his high school sweetheart Elizabeth Bowen of Somersworth NH and they made their home in Dover for their 48 years of marriage until "Betty's " passing in 1991. Together, they raised their four boys.

Donald was very involved in the community. He was Scout Master of Troop 170 at St Joseph church for many years in the late 50s and 60s. Later, he was elected to the local school board and served as secretary of the board for several years. He was employed for over 40 years by New England Telephone and achieved "Pioneer" status with them.

Donald's love of travel followed him through his life. It is common for former scouts to inquire about him and reminisce about their travels with the Troop to many destinations in the Northeast and Canada.

In 1992, Donald was blessed to find love again when he married Kathleen Letellier. Together they made their home at Fox Tail Ridge in Dover for 10 years and then made the move to "The Villages" in Florida for the next 10 years. During this time they enjoyed many ocean cruises the world over. As Floridians, they often hosted family making brief escapes from the cold New Hampshire winters. In June of 2013 they returned to Dover to spend their remaining days at Langdon Place.

In every sense of the phrase, Donald was truly a member of "The Greatest Generation"

Donald was predeceased by Elizabeth, his wife of 48 years; his second wife Kathleen Letellier McAtavey with whom he spent 21 years; a brother Richard McAtavey of South Berwick Maine; a daughter-in-law Trudy McAtavey; and a grandson Derek McAtavey.

He is survived by sons D James and Nancy McAtavey, Dennis McAtavey, Gerald McAtavey and partner Anne, Richard and Brenda McAtavey and the children of his second marriage Kathleen Letellier and husband Robert Gordon, Lauren Letellier and husband Christopher Atkins, Brandon and Marie Letellier, Mary Duffy, and Matthew Letellier and wife Thereseand several grandchildren.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Langdon Place of Dover and Life Choice Hospice for the wonderful care they gave Don.

Per his request, there will be no services, private family burial in the spring

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Boy Scouts of America or the charity of one's choice in his name.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Tasker Funeral Home. Please go to www.taskerfh.com to sign the online guest book.

Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.