Donald J. Bancroft

Donald J. Bancroft, 92, of Dartmouth passed away Friday December 19, 2025.

Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Thomas and Lillian (St. Pierre) Bancroft. He attended New Bedford Vocational High School and married the love of his life Irene (Rocheleau) Bancroft on September 25, 1954.

Donald was formerly employed as a sales representative for Liggett and Meyers.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958.

Family was the most important thing in his life. He enjoyed family vacations with his three daughters as they grew up. In his later years, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In retirement, Donald and Irene enjoyed being snowbirds in Venice, Florida. They lived at Estancia Estates where they made many friendships throughout the years and enjoyed many club house activities.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Irene; his daughters, Lynn Young and her husband Terrence of Honolulu, HI, Mary-Jane Smyth and her husband Sean of Haverhill, and Elizabeth Basile and her husband Anthony of Canton; his grandchildren, Charlotte Smyth, Heather (Smyth) Tate and her husband Brian, Alyssa (Basile) Mabarak and her husband Joshua, and Joseph Basile; and his great-grandchildren, Desmond Tate, Carter Tate, and Sloane Mabarak.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday December 29th at 11:30 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mount Pleasant St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to TUNNEL TO TOWERS Foundation, 2361 Hylan Ave., Staten Island, NY 10306. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.