Donald F. Byrd, Sr. – 80, passed away in the comfort of his home and family on September 28, 2019 following a 4-year valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Burlington on May 3, 1939, he was a son of the late Donald C. and Ethel L. (Santor) Byrd. Don was previously married to the former Carolyn Hough. On July 8, 1989 he married the former Sharon R. Baker in Duxbury.

Don’s love for mechanics began at the age of 9 when he was given the opportunity to work at a garage near his family home in Winooski. As a young man he was employed for several years as a drilling operator during the construction of Interstate 89. He then pursued his entrepreneurial dream of founding his own automotive repair business, Don’s Repair Shop in Duxbury. He retired following many years of service to his loyal customers.

Don is fondly remembered for the joy he found in hunting and fishing, barn dances and country music, woodworking and the gift he had for creating art through working with metal and wood. He loved spending time with family and friends, as well as storytelling.

Don is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sharon Byrd of Duxbury; his children, Donald Byrd, Jr. of Fayston, Edward Byrd and his wife Sue of Waddington NY, Michael Byrd and his wife Carol of Eden, and Rachel Bolduc and her husband Michael of Duxbury; 6 grandchildren, William McGandy, Benjamin McGandy, Nathan Byrd, Brandy Cabana, Makaela Bolduc, and Lennon Bolduc; 5 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Larry Byrd and his wife Carol of Danville, and Linda Lamson of Waterbury; as well as extended family. Don was predeceased by a grandson, Dana Byrd.

A service celebrating the life of Donald Byrd, Sr. will be held on October 12, 2019 at 11 a.m. from the Hunger Mountain Christian Assembly, 4940 Waterbury Stowe Road, Waterbury Center with a reception to follow in the church dining room. For those who wish, memorial gifts would be appreciated to the University of Vermont Cancer Center (https://give.uvmhealth.org/give/190003/#!/donation/checkout). Assisting the family is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury. To send online condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Published by the Pensacola News Journal on Sep. 30, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Byrd, Sr.

18 Entries

Judy Sweet Burkhart

October 24, 2019

I am so very sorry to hear about Donnie . I want to convey by sincere sympathy wishes to his wife and kids and to brother Larry and sister Linda of whom I have been friends with forever.

Barbara Carpenter`

October 20, 2019

So sorry for your loss he was a very good neighbor to me would cut wood and stack it and I would share my property for him to plant vegetables he will greatly be missed

pauline thompson

October 11, 2019

So sorry for your loss don jr and family rest in peace pops

Jill Smith

October 9, 2019

My sympathy is extended to Dons family. His presence in Duxbury will be truly missed. Main Street always felt so much more alive when his garage doors were open.

Carol Byrd

October 4, 2019

Always loved the times when he and George Byrd Sr got together and talked about the old days when they would raise the "dickens" in Winooski and Burlington as youngsters and young men. So sorry I can't be there but Dr.s orders to avoid large gatherings for the Fall and winter months due to COPD and Emphasyma statis. My Condolences to the whole family. May your faith bring you comfort during this overwhelming time.

Ron Maloney

October 2, 2019

Condolences to Don Jr. and the entire Byrd family.

Christina Wilder

October 2, 2019

Our condolences to the family. May you find peace in your memories.
Steve and Tina (Dunster) Wilder.

Laura Titus

October 1, 2019

Sharon and family
I'm so sorry to hear about Don. Please know I'm thinking of you. His memory will live on with all of you.

Brenda Chamberlin knight

October 1, 2019

Condolences from the Chamberlins in Florida. Hugs to all.

Sarah Touchette

October 1, 2019

RIP Donnie, you sure did fight the fight. Its just isnt the same anymore. The gang is getting smaller. I will miss seeing you every time I go to Dads. you have been there with your nod of your head for more years then then I can remember. That nod means and meant so much. Be free. Hugs to you all. Your all our in my thoughts and prayers.

Linda Byrd Belanger

October 1, 2019

Rest in piece my cousin. You will be missed.In our hearts always..

Sharon Raymond

October 1, 2019

Sharon, Sorry for you loss. He fought a courageous battle. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lynn Bergeron

October 1, 2019

Donnie was tough and determined in his fight against his cancer. When we met at Zacharys, Ron and I commented on how courageous he was. Sharon , you were his true and supportive partner.

David White

October 1, 2019

Sorry for your loss May God comfort you all at this time.

Barb Dwight Lowe

September 30, 2019

Sending condolences to the family may Big Donnie RIP he was a very sweet man.

Tom White

September 30, 2019

We are so sad to hear of Donnie's passing. Tom always enjoyed his visits with him at the flea market. Our love and thoughts are with the family.

Shari Potter

September 30, 2019

Sharon and Don, Jr...hugs and sympathy...And to all those, friends and family, whose lives were touched by this man, I hope you can find warmth and peace in your happy memories of him. I will miss his smile...made my day at the Market!

Kathy Duncan Dean

September 30, 2019

Dear Sharon and Rachel,
I was very sorry to hear of Dons passing. He brought much joy and peace to your family.
Much love to you both!

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