Donald Alfred Binette

Miami, OK: Donald Alfred Binette, 75, of Miami, Okalahoma died May 25, 2010 after a period of failing health.

Mr. Binette was born on December 26, 1934 in Exeter, NH to the late Joseph and Lea (Cote) Binette. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Lorraine Binette-Winkler. He lived in Miami, Okalahoma for the past 12 years, moving there from New Hampshire.

In 1950, at age 17, Donald joined the NH National Guard and remained until 1954. He then joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country honorably and retired after 20 years of service.

Donald loved to bake and after retiring, was able to fulfill his dream of owning and operating a bakery in Rochester, NH for several years. In 1983 Donald joined the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and enjoyed working and traveling worldwide aboard the U.S.S. Vanguard, retiring in 1996.

He was a member of St. Jean-Baptiste in Dover, NH, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and a member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Gonic, NH.

Donald is survived by six children and several grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Roland Binette and his wife Sylvia of Rochester, two sisters: Irene Turner and her husband Floyd of Rochester, and Annette Gagnon and her husband Fernand of Strafford, his brother-in-law Max Winkler of Barrington, several nieces, nephews and his special friend, Sara Owens from Miami, OK.

Donald will be remembered for his dedication and love for the Marines, (‘Once a Marine Always a Marine’) his generosity of spirit, sense of humor, patience and his willingness to help others in need. Also, his love for his animals Bud, Lizzie, Samantha and Cosmos was known by all.

Donald was cremated and final interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery with full military rites at a later date. A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary Church, 71 Lowell St., Rochester on July 31 at 1 PM with Fr. Daniel Sinibaldi officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Strafford County SPCA.