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Donald Beardsley Obituary
ESSEX - Donald N. Beardsley, 51, beloved husband of Susan (Saladino) Beardsley, died unexpectedly on Friday, January 2, 2015.
Born in Holden and raised in West Boylston, he is the son of Nathan and Leila (Armstrong) Beardsley of West Boylston. He graduated from West Boylston High School and earned his Bachelor's Degree from Framingham State College. He had resided in Essex for the past eight years and prior to that in Wenham.
Don was the President of Colbent Corporation in Braintree where he worked for over twenty years, growing the family business and creating lasting relationships.
He was a loving father who supported his four children through school and their countless athletic events, most affectionately known as the "super fan." Donny loved spending time at Lake Winnipesaukee. He was a passionate sportsman who enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing, tennis, paddle tennis, snowmobiling and skiing with his family and friends.
In addition to his wife and his parents, he is survived by his loving children, Hannah, John, Jenny and Bobby all of Essex; two sisters, Romney Sloan and her husband Bill of West Boylston, and Terri Beardsley of Cohasset; a brother, Andy Beardsley and his wife Erin of West Boylston; his mother-in-law, Natalie Saladino of North Reading and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at the First Parish Church, 10 Central Street, Manchester, MA, Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment will be private. Contributions may be made in his memory to Tyler's Hope for a Dystonia Cure, 13351 Progress Blvd., Alachua, FL 32615 or www.tylershope.org. Information, directions, condolences at
www.campbellfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Beardsley
TJ Lynch
April 26, 2025
rest in peace to the best celtics fan of all time. donald will always be remembered in the city of boston
Michael Iannotti
June 17, 2024
WE DID IT! Banner 18 is going up! Because why? BECAUSE THE CELTICS ARE THE BALLS!!!! Rest well Donnie
Larry Bird
June 14, 2024
Donnie was "the balls"! RIP
russ
June 5, 2022
Read a story about him after seeing the viral video of him go up from the 84 NBA Finals. Sorry to hear he passed. Seemed like a great man. May he rest in peace
Scott Johnson
January 25, 2015
God bless you alll in a here trying times. All other words at times like these seem inadequate.
The memories we made as kids in Oakdale are priceless!
Vicki Chase Coons
January 23, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the entire Beardsley family at this very sad time. My heart aches for you all over the loss of Donnie.I will forever treasure my memories of him, and may your own memories sustain you in the difficult days ahead. Thinking of you and sending love and hugs to all. You were one of a kind my friend. RIP, love ya.
Megan Kelleher
January 14, 2015
I am incredibly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
January 9, 2015
With deepest sympathies. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with Don. I learnt so much from him.
Venita Amidon
Deborah Openshaw-Callwood
January 9, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. Much love, and strength to Lee, Nate, Romney, Terry, and Andy, from another one of the old Oakdale crew.
January 8, 2015
With deepest sympathy
Vanda & Tom Mullins
Debbi Borci Ziegler
January 8, 2015
Terry, Erin, Andy, and all of the family: I am so so sorry for your loss. I haven't see you guys in years, but my stomachache hasn't stopped since I heard the terrible news. I have such wonderful memories of growing up with Donnie and you all. We always had a place to hang on a Friday night... always big big laughs... I have no words except that I am very sorry you must go through such painful loss. I am holding you all tight in my prayers. Love to you all.
Kathleen Bean
January 8, 2015
My deepest sympathy to all of your family's Kathy Bean
Carol Joseph
January 8, 2015
My condolence and thoughts are with you
Cathy Miller
January 8, 2015
Sue, we send our love, thoughts and prayers to you, Bobby, Jenny, Hannah and John. You and Don created and fostered an amazing family. The Beardsley family is a beautiful reflection of one another forever. Our love, Cathy, Mark, Zach and Lucas Miller
January 8, 2015
Sue, we send our love, thoughts and prayers to you, Bobby, Jenny, Hannah and John. You and Don created and fostered an amazing family, a beautiful reflection of one another forever. Our love, Cathy, Mark, Zach and Lucas Miller
January 7, 2015
My condolences. Take comfort knowing that God Almighty is 'near to all those calling him'.
Psalms 145:18
Jean & Pam Trudeau
January 7, 2015
Never a dull moment with Donnie at the party! May the great memories carry all of you through this difficult time.
Janet Erhardt Vaughn
January 7, 2015
Terri and Family,
OMG, I am so sorry for your loss. Whenever I think of Donnie, I remember his witty sense of humor. Such a good guy.
Sean Stellato
January 7, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Don defined family man and raised his children with such sound values and great work ethics. Thoughts an prayers are with all of you.
January 7, 2015
the Beardsley's
Deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David & JoAnne Roberts
Turner Hill
January 7, 2015
Susan and family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
The Staff at Turner Hill
January 7, 2015
Andy and Erin,
So very sorry for your loss Our prayers and thoughts are with you and family . With our deepest sympathy. Wayne and Maryann Schelin
January 7, 2015
Susan,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Donnie. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Dottie Tamai
January 7, 2015
So sorry Susan for your loss, we liked Don he had such a good sense of hummer Al and Marie Covel
January 7, 2015
My heartfelt sympathy to the whole Beardsley family.It has been a while since I last saw Donny, but will always consider him a friend. Mike Welsh
January 7, 2015
Erin,
Although, I didn't know your brother-in-law, we can see he was deeply loved. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
- The Peckars
January 7, 2015
Dr. defiance sends his love and condolences to the whole family.
Greg & Libby Stevenson
January 7, 2015
Andy and Erin,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God bless you all.
January 7, 2015
Deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. May you find comfort in the days ahead knowing so many people loved Donny.
From some of the Oakdale crowd:
The Downers -
Carolyn Downer, Alden & Betsy Downer, George Downer
Jeff Daignault
January 6, 2015
I'm still in shock!! One of the original Oakdale greats. A class act, and all round great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all...
Paulette (Conforti) Disinger
January 6, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the Beardsley Family today.
James O'Neil
January 6, 2015
Keep shaking my head with disbelief! Don was a man's man for sure. Last time I sat with Don was at the Reggie Lewis Center rooting on his daughter at an indoor track meet. He always had great things to say about his children, pressing his chest out with pride in what they accomplished. With sadness Jim, Michele, Paul, Danny, Joe, & Luke O'Neil
Winthrop Handy
January 6, 2015
To the Beardsley Family,
We are very sad to learn of the passing of Donny. You are all in our hearts as we ponder the great loss of this fine young man.
Winthrop and Anne Handy
January 6, 2015
To Nate, Lee, and Beardsley Family; we are thinking about you, share your grief, and send a group hug.
Steve, Mary, Midge, and Laurie Kneeland
Toby Renzoni
January 6, 2015
To Donnie's wife, children, parents, brother and sisters, I am sorry for your loss. He was taken too soon. Two years ago I was at a get together with Donnie. It was a nice surprise to see him walk through the door. I hadn't seen him in about 20 years, but Donnie made it seem like only months since we last saw each other. Open and honest he made you feel comfortable and was a pleasure to be around. God Bless.
Margo, Steve, Sam, Alex and Miki Bishop
January 6, 2015
Dear Beardsley Family,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Anita Conforti Bergstrom
January 6, 2015
My heart goes out to Nate, Lee and the entire Beardsley family. Such an enormous loss for everyone. Many of my childhood memories on Hosmer Street include your wonderful family. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
January 6, 2015
Terri and family,I want to send my condolences to you all. You have lost someone so full of life. Susan Pithie
Adam, Lucia, Jackson, Samuel and William Strout
January 6, 2015
Susan, the Beardsley children and his extended family we are so sorry for your loss please know that we are here for you.
Anita Conforti Bergstrom
January 6, 2015
My heart goes out to Nate, Lee and the entire Beardsley family. Such an enormous loss for all of you. Many of my childhood memories on Hosmer Street include this wonderful family. My deepest sympathy to you all.
January 6, 2015
My deepest sympathies to the Beardsley family.
Peter Cestodio
Santiago Roman
January 6, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Donny's death it was to soon for him, I spend many a day with him at Colbent and with him socially, I will miss him dearly.
Tim Wright
January 5, 2015
Don was larger than life on the tennis court. He played incredibly hard, took zero prisoners and somehow managed to be a teddy bear at the same time, a truly sweet, caring guy who was as much fun to drink with as to play against. I will not forget him.
January 5, 2015
To the Beardsley family, our deepest sympathy on your loss. Our prayers are with at time. Jack and Pauline McCormick
Leonard Belvedere
January 5, 2015
I will always remember Don as a great guy and a true friend. We always planned on spending more time together and I regret that we did not get to do that. Don will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his family.
Rest in peace my friend.
Joanie DePatsy DiPierro Dubeau
January 5, 2015
Terri and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved brother Donny. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Croke
January 5, 2015
Erin and Andy, my sincere condolences to you and your family. What a wonderful tribute to Don on the Tyler's Hope website.
Sue and Paul Lenkarski
January 5, 2015
To all of the Beardsleys, We are so sadden to hear of the Donnie's passing. He was so full of life. We knew him as a great son and brother and we are not surprised to hear what a wonderful father and husband he was. We are sure that the memories he has left you will give you, strength. Love to all of you.
Marilyn Mendes
January 5, 2015
Terri,
I am so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. I can only imagine what you and your family must be going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Beardsley Family.
Marilyn Mendes
January 5, 2015
Terri,
I am so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. I can only imagine what you and your family are going through. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa (Lenkarski) Pellitteri
January 5, 2015
My heart is broken. The Beardlseys, my Oakdale childhood neighbors, hold a very special place in my heart. A truly wonderful, loving, and fun family. Each of those kids had a turn at babysitting our family - some of my best memories growing up. I'm so sorry for Donny's own family, who he evidently loved as he was taught to love by his own mom and dad. Thinking of you all.
Joseph Molnar
January 5, 2015
So sorry to hear about Don's passing. He was a joy to be around and made coming in to work a pleasure.
Cate Eldridge
January 5, 2015
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” ~Thomas Campbell
Donnie- memories from Framingham state are vivid your laughter and smile shines brightly - may gods grace and love bring comfort to your beautiful family and know that your friends old ne near and far will celebrate you always - With love and light-sleep with the angels dear friend.
Kristina Rivotto
January 5, 2015
I had the opportunity to work with Don. One year I was able to make a visit to the east coast and Don even opened up his home to us for dinner. I am thankful to have known Don. I'm so sorry for your loss and praying for the family during this challenging time.
Sue Kelliher
January 5, 2015
I had the pleasure of working with Donny for a number of years. Donny had his own sense of humor and could always be counted on for a laugh. My sincere condolences and prayers go out to Donny's entire family. There are no words to help during your sorrow except knowing there are so many people thinking of and remembering Donny and his many contributions to family and friends.
Paul Wilmot
January 5, 2015
To the Beardsley family, Be you his spouse, child, parent, or sibling, we are so sorry for your loss. May you feel such pride in the respect and admiration that Donny earned from countless friends throughout his life. Our deepest sympathies,
Paul and Sylvie Wilmot
D H
January 5, 2015
So sorry for your loss, but be assured that the God of all comfort will comfort you during this difficult time.
Craig & Penny Stanford
January 5, 2015
Donnie lived, laughed and loved in Abundance. Such an unbelievably generous heart and spirit! Thank you for the memories to cherish from Oakdale to Miami and back again. I will miss you deeply Cousin Don.
Sue Kelliher
January 5, 2015
Donny had his own perspective on Life and brought so much to his family and friends. Donny will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family in this time of sorrow.
Ken & Cheryl Staab
January 5, 2015
Don lived brilliantly by following a simple creed:
Life is neither fair nor unfair. It is our canvas, and the colors we weave on it come from deeply valuing those we love, seeking kind souls for additional dimension, and refining the picture of our journey into a mosaic that our children and grandchildren will never tire of looking at for guidance and comfort.
I am measurably a better man and better friend to others by just having known him.
Sheri Smart
January 5, 2015
Terri,
I am so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. I know you and he had a pretty special bond.
I feel fortunate to have met Don, he was such a wonderful guy.
My thoughts and prayers to you and the entire Beardsley Family.
Don & Pat Booth
January 5, 2015
Susan and family. Our deepest sympathy.
Adam Henderson
January 5, 2015
With a sad heart, I express my deepest sympathy to Don's Wife, Children, Family, & many friends. Don will always be remembered as a great guy!
Deb Culhane
January 5, 2015
I was so saddened to here of Don's passing. He was a person of wonderful spirit, passion and integrity about all things in his life. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to know Don both professionally and personally and will sorely miss our discussions ranging from work and career to our good fortune of sharing our experiences of life “at the lake”. To Susan and the family, may you find some peace in knowing how much Don was admired and respected and what a positive influence he has made in so many lives.
Lisa Petrone
January 5, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Don many years ago and he was a great guy. Again I am so sorry.
Paula Marchand
January 5, 2015
Andy Erin and family,
My heartfelt sympathy for all. So sorry for your loss.
Respectfully,
Paula Marchand
Robin Baldarelli
January 5, 2015
Our Hearts and prayers are with you all! Our deepest sympathy to help you through this time of sorrow. We can only imagine what you are going through. God Bless,
Robin, Ed, Alissa & Amy Baldarelli
Bill Deschenes
January 5, 2015
Dear Beardsley Family,
My deepest condolences to all of you. So many fond memories of our times together on Hosmer St. and Laurel St. in Oakdale as kids and at WBHS. I've heard it said “We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time.” It was always a good time when Donny was around. It is so unfortunate that his time here was way too short.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Anne Gallant
January 5, 2015
I am so sorry that Donny is gone so soon. Its so difficult to absorb..I have young Donny imprinted on my memory and how he would tease us as kids. I love you all.& have been praying for your very difficult loss.
Anita McKenney
January 5, 2015
Our most heartfelt sympathies to Nate,Lee,Andy,Romney,Terri, and all other family members. In this time of sorrow, may you find peace in the wonderful memories and strength from your family. With love,Anita,Don,and Erin
Kathy and Freddie Chalmers
January 5, 2015
Susan, Hannah, Jon, Jen, and Bobby - Our deepest sympathies. We so enjoyed our times together and have great memories. Don had such a tremendous joy for every day - a joy that those who knew him can embrace. So much love and pride in all of you. Sending love and hugs from the Chalmers clan.
Ed and Lynn Rizzuto
January 5, 2015
To Andy and family. Ed and I would like to say how sorry we are for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John Ulla
January 5, 2015
I am so very sorry for your loss, Don was a good friend as well as business partner. I cannot express how much I enjoyed working with as well as socializing with Don. I pray for you his family and wish you peace.
Joe & Chris Bostek
January 5, 2015
It seems like yesterday when I was in the stands at good old WB watching Donnie play basketball...It's hard to believe that we lost Donnie at such a young age. As long as his memories are in your mind and your heart he will live on forever. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Beardsley family
January 5, 2015
We are deeply sadden on the passing of Don. Our prayers are with you and the children
Marilyn and Matt (Mr and Mrs B)
John Butman
January 5, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Beardsley family. Donny will be missed. He could always make a person smile and laugh - he was such a good guy.
Allyson Gould
January 5, 2015
Mr. & Mrs. B, Terri,
I want to express my heartfelt sympathy. Peace, Light and Hope at this very, very sad time.
Sue Kelliher
January 5, 2015
To the Beardsley Family, Donny had his own perspective on life for sure. His passing is a great loss for so many. He will be missed.
Mary Anne Been Seraphin
January 5, 2015
I am so very sorry. Don was larger than life, the life of the party, one of a kind. He clearly adored his family. I am grateful I could call him my friend. May your fond memories bring you comfort now.
Jeff Fancy
January 5, 2015
I am praying to ease your grief.
The world needs good men like Don.
Don is a great loss.
Heather and Tony LoRe
January 4, 2015
Our deepest sympathies in the loss of your husband, Susan, and in the loss of your dad, Hannah, John, Jennifer and Robert. We have very fond memories. Sincerely, Heather and Tony LoRe
January 4, 2015
Dearest Romney, Terri & Family,
So very sorry for the sudden loss of your brother. I am holding you and your family up in prayer at this difficult time.
Hugging you from here. Lisa Naylor-Boulette
Marilyn Ingram Noonan and Phil Noonan
January 4, 2015
We are so shocked by the news that Donny is gone. Sending our love to Susan and the kids. The lake will not be the same.
Becky Frieden
January 4, 2015
Romney - I am so sorry to hear about your brother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky Frieden
Cherie Dugan
January 4, 2015
To the Beardsley Family,
I am so very sorry to learn of Donny's passing. He was an awesome guy, a fun guy, a happy guy. I have many fond memories of Donny from school. May you find peace in your memories.
Yvette Wilmot
January 4, 2015
Deepest sympathies to the family of Don, he was a great man, and I owe him a debt of thanks. I'm glad I got to tell him so on Thanksgiving. Peace be with you.
Carol & Jack Hester
January 4, 2015
Dear Nate, Lee, Terri, Andy, Erin and extended family members,
Jack and I are are devastated with the loss of young Donny -- such a bright and forward-thinking young man. This is just not supposed to happen. Really leaves us so saddened and helpless! Our prayers are with Donny's wife and children... Susan, Hannah, John, Jenny, and Bobby at this unconsolable and difficult time. Our sympathies to Ted Mahoney as well. Our Best, Carol & Jack Hester
Jim Deviney
January 4, 2015
To the Beardley's I'm so sorry for the loss of your son and brother.He truly was one of a kind.Thank you Donnie for all the laughs.
Ellie & David Cochran
January 4, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. He broke the mold and I don't think our summers will be the same without his big personality to brighten our day.
Brooke (Benjamin) Diesel
January 4, 2015
I'm heartbroken for Donnie's Susan and children, his parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, and countless friends. I'll hold close h.s. memories of times spent with Donnie and his sister, Terri, usually at the Beardsley homestead in W.B. and always with Nate present and enjoying the company of his children and their friends just the same way Don did with his own children. Sending love and praying for the Beardsley family, especially my dear friend Terri for the devastating loss of her brother.
Traci Chase Carter
January 4, 2015
Deepest sympathy to the entire family. So many childhood memories of our time in Oakdale. You are in my prayers. RIP my friend.
Dale Anderson
January 4, 2015
You weren't the best fisherman but you sure tried like hell and fishing with you was the best of times. You weren't the best golfer but you became pretty damn good and I can't imagine not golfing with you again. As far as a person and a friend you always were the best and the memory of you will always make me laugh and cry at the same time. Love yah Steakdaddy
Kelly mercer
January 4, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss...
The Mercer family ( Kelly A. Rosenlund )
lynne townsend
January 4, 2015
Terri and the Beardsley family,
I am so sadden to hear about Donny. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories and in all the love that surrounds you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.
Gina Bengtson
January 4, 2015
Don was a great friend to many a very proud Dad and will be surely missed. RIP dear friend
January 4, 2015
Dear Beardsley Family,
The 8th grade teachers send our deepest sympathies to your entire family. Our hearts are breaking with yours. Hugs and love especially to Bobby and Jenny.
Mrs. Plante, Mrs. Vosseler, Mrs. Kavanagh, Mr. Thomas, and Mrs. Petrie, MERMS
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