Damian Sarrette

Damian C. Sarrette passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, October 30th in his home. Damian was born in Ware, MA on August 5th,1973. He spent his school years in the Ware school system until his senior year, when he transferred to Palmer High (a rival school) and was a very successful athlete, graduating in 1991. From there, he was off to UMass Dartmouth (Previously SMU). He spent his freshman year there before transferring home to complete his associates degree at STCC part-time, while working various full-time and part-time jobs. From STCC, he transferred to Westfield State College (now a University), continuing to work full-time and attending classes part-time. He obtained a Bachelors in English, graduating with honors. Moving on to Worcester State University, Damian obtained a Masters' Degree in Education with a concentration in English. There, he was the medallion recipient for attaining the highest G.P.A. in the English Department. His educational journey was not simple. He considered himself a "non-traditional" student, but felt that "it enabled him to build and develop very strong bonds and relationships with his students because they could always relate and identify with him." In an interview conducted about three years ago, Damian had said in referring to his students that, "In many ways, we are one and the same." To quote Damian directly, "The only role I value more than teaching at North Brookfield is serving as a proud papa to my three boys." Outside of school, he enjoyed weightlifting, reading, bike-riding with his boys, attending concerts with his boys (they were "huge music fans") and spending summers with his boys and his dog, Macho, at their trailer in Old Orchard Beach. Damian is predeceased by his mother, Donna (Hanney) Sarrette. He leaves behind his father, Dave Sarrette of Monson, his sister and brother-in-law Dené (Sarrette) and Charlie Ackerman of Monson. He leaves behind many loved relatives–two who were like second parents to him–his aunt and uncle, Geri and Stephen Cope of Worcester. He also leaves behind his very best friends, Andrew Vance of Palmer and Tim and Karin Curran of Dudley, MA. His small circle of very close friends meant the world to him. There are many more to mention that he held close to his heart. Damian created a family that was not blood and he valued them as though they were. Most importantly, Damian leaves behind his three boys, Luke of Monson, and Mason, and Avry Sarrette of Palmer. They were the light of his life. He could not have been more honored and proud of his boys and being their father. He could not get enough of them. His love for them cannot be overstated. In addition to his family, Damian leaves behind the thousands of students and families he impacted over the years. Outside of his being with his boys, he cherished his students and often said that being at North Brookfield High with them was his "home away from home." Damian started at North Brookfield High School in the Fall of 1999. This was his 27th year at North Brookfield and he had an impact on countless students and colleagues during this time. He was a class advisor, National Honor Society advisor, a coach, a club advisor, as well as a mentor for new teachers and any student who needed something. He put his heart and soul into the school. He was also a Union Officer, elected in 2007 for the 07-08 year and then elected President of the Union 10 years later in the 2017-18 school year. He had been President ever since. Words cannot express how much Damian loved and took pride in being a teacher. But, most importantly, Damian's entire life was his three sons. Being a Dad was the very best thing that ever happened to him. His father wants it known that he could not possibly have had a better son for the past 52 years. He was so proud of him. To his students, the family would like to thank you for being one of the best parts of his life. We may not have known you personally, but we want to stress that he looked forward every day to helping you and watching you learn. Damian knew he wanted to be a teacher since his junior year in high school. He would want us to tell you that the greatest thing you can do to honor him is not to mourn. Celebrate his life. Find comfort in how much you all meant to him. Be your best advocate. Use your voice. He would want you to know that you matter. And that each and every one of you can do great things. Honor him by being the best version of you, whatever that looks like. Speak up for yourself. Do hard things. And live an amazing life. We know his passing is very shocking, but think about who he was and honor him with your success and happiness. And to his boys, who are young men now. You are surrounded by love and people who will carry on Damian's wishes for you. You will succeed and honor your dad by living long, happy lives. And we will be here every step of the way to support you. Services will be held on Sunday, November 9th at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home with a period of visitation from 10am-1pm and a service celebrating Damian's life to begin at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation is made to a non-profit organization supporting Veterans' Causes. There has also been a Memorial Fund set up to support various philanthropic efforts that Damian directly supported. Checks can be made to "Damian Sarrette Memorial Fund" and mailed to 13 Carter Street, Palmer MA 01069. This account has been set up through Monson Savings Bank in Damian's honor to give back to the causes he loved and supported in life.