Donald J. Poulin

AUGUSTA - Donald "Ducky" Joseph Poulin, 82, of Randolph, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 12:10 a.m. at the Maine Veterans' Home in Augusta, after a courageous battle with lung disease related to his military service. Born on January 2, 1943, in Augusta, Donald was the son of Emile J. Poulinand Vera (Ames) Poulin. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1963. Though his service left him with lifelong challenges, he faced them with resilience and strength. After his honorable discharge, he earned his G.E.D. and later completed his medical degree at U.M.A.

Throughout his career, Donald held many roles that reflected his caring nature and dedication: machinist at Statler Tissue, CNA and surgical technician at MaineGeneral, and, after retirement, school bus driver for Augusta Schools and summer programs. Driving the bus became one of his greatest joys, and he treasured the connections he made with students and friends for more than ten years.

Donald was a longtime member of Saint Joseph's Parish in Gardiner, the Knights of Columbus Council 1299, and Le Calumet Club. He enjoyed carpentry, motorcycling, bowling, boating, gardening, and Olympic weightlifting, which was part of his daily routine. Music was a constant in his life-he played the drums, guitar, and piano. He also rarely missed a New England Patriots or Boston Bruins game and loved watching NASCAR. Above all, Donald loved his family.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Paul and David; and his sister, Claudette Lemar. He is survived by his wife, Wanda (Gerard) Poulin of Randolph; his stepdaughter, Dixie Doyle, and her husband, Steven, of Gardiner; his daughter, Heidi Gerard of Augusta; his son, Bryan Poulin; and his daughter, Ruth-Ann Poulin. He also leaves four grandchildren-Cody Berry, Devon Coro, Owen Doyle, and Garret Doyle-and one great-granddaughter, Nova Berry, along with many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff, residents, and families of the Maine Veterans' Home for their compassion, friendship, and dedicated care.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Gardiner on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Gardiner. An inurnment service will be held at the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Travis Mills Foundation or the Maine Children's Home in Donald's honor. Memories and condolences may be shared on his tribute wall.

Bravo Zulu. Fair winds and following seas.