Donald M. Fradette, Sr.

Donald Marcel Fradette “Don,” 93, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Plessisville, Quebec, Canada, to Armand and Antoinette (Dubois) Fradette, Don was the oldest of five sons. The Fradette family moved to Farmington, CT when Don was two. Don attended Farmington High School where he met his high school sweetheart, Eileen Flynn. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean war, Don returned to marry his beloved Eileen and attend the University of Connecticut where he earned a BS degree in Mathematics. Don and Eileen remained married for 60 years until her passing.

Don’s professional career included teaching statistics at Boston University, working as an engineer at Sylvania, and heading the Product Assurance department at Raytheon for the Patriot Missile program, a surface-to-air missile system still in use today. After retiring from his distinguished 30+ year career at Raytheon, Don served as a Trustee for Walker Meadow where he and Eileen lived in Westborough, MA.

Don loved life and had many hobbies and interests. He was a diehard Patriots fan through thick and thin and an avid golfer who helped organize several “Fradette Opens.” He coached his sons’ sports teams with enthusiasm and encouragement. He enjoyed bridge and chess, listening to Elvis, and carpentry. Don and Eileen traveled extensively and loved dancing. Don was a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather, a strong role model who stressed the importance of family, work ethic, and being kind.

Don was preceded in death by his brothers Raymond and Real and “honorary” littlest brother, Donald Curtois. Don is survived by brothers Maurice (Moe) and Michael and their respective wives Suzanne (Sue) and Irena, sisters-in-law Rosemary and Rose, and Carol Curtois, wife of Donald. Don’s three children and their spouses include Donald (Don) Fradette, Jr. and wife Catherine (Cathy), Thomas (Tom) Fradette and wife Julie, and Charlene Bauer and husband William (Bill). Affectionately known as “Papa,” Don leaves behind five grandchildren: Danielle Thornbrugh and husband William (Bill), Katie Arnao and husband Eric, James Fradette and wife Christine, Michael Fradette, and Christopher Bauer; and four great grandchildren, Liam and Logan Thornburgh, and Ella and Luke Fradette.

Don’s life was a testament to love, loyalty, and integrity. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 21, in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main Street, Westborough.  Burial with military honors will follow in St. Luke's Cemetery, Westborough.

Calling hours will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 A.M. in the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main Street, Westborough, prior to the funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Don’s memory to The Alzheimer's Association at: www.alz.org.