Dr. Charles Donald "Donald" Bevelander

Dr. Charles Donald "Donald" Bevelander, beloved son, brother, cousin, uncle, great-uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Born in Boston to Charles and Dorothy (Coughlin) Bevelander, Donald was the older of two sons. He adored his younger brother, Brian, and the two remained exceptionally close throughout their lives. They were devoted to one another, always offering love, advice, sarcasm, and strength. Brian fondly recalls Donald patiently teaching him to talk as a child. Over the years, the brothers shared many adventures together, including trips to Florida, a ranch in Wyoming, Mexico City, Chicago, Italy, England, and France. Though they lived in different states, they were present for plenty of holidays, graduations, and countless moves, always finding ways to show up for each other.

Donald was part of a large, loving extended family filled with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. As one of the older cousins, he often led the "cousin crew" into an abundance of adventures and misadventures, creating stories that are still told and cherished.

A lifelong educator, Donald began by earning an undergraduate degree from Tufts University, a Master' from the University of Massachusetts and later earned his doctorate from the University of Illinois. He began his career teaching Spanish in the Boston Public Schools and went on to serve as Principal of Plymouth Regional High School in Plymouth, New Hampshire, Principal of Natick High School in Natick, Massachusetts, and Headmaster of Somerville High School in Somerville, Massachusetts. He ultimately returned to his first passion-teaching Spanish-at Weaver High School in Hartford, Connecticut, and Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Known for his sharp wit, engaging teaching style, and wry sense of humor, Donald had a gift for drawing students into the material and making learning come alive. After retirement, he continued to share his talents by volunteering and teaching English to Portuguese and Spanish speakers.

Donald was a man of multiple interests and passions. An accomplished equestrian, he successfully competed in ongoing events and cared deeply for his horses, who returned his affection in kind. He loved traveling, spending time with family, reading, and following current events. His garden was another immense joy-tended with care and creativity, it often looked like something from the pages of a magazine.

Donald is survived by his niece, Gretchen (Greg), Sting and his nephews, Mark (Tracy) Bevelander and Garrett Bevelander. He is also survived by his great-nephews Elliott (Constance), Austin (Amelia), and Ethan (Lily) Sting; his great-nephews Christian (Anne Marie) and Dylan Bevelander; and his great-niece Mikaela and great-nephews Kaiden and Donovan Bevelander, as well as his cousins who loved him dearly. He will be remembered for his warmth, his quick humor, and his ever-ready joke and prank.

A memorial service will be at the Magni Funeral Home, 365 Watertown Street, Newton, MA 02485, on Monday, March 2, at 11:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Newton Cemetery.