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Donald Suggs Obituary
During the 1960s Donald was considered one of the top basketball players in the country, playing for Tolman High School. Donald was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009 and recognized in 2012 as a Basketball Legend by the Rhode Island Interscholastic League.
A proud member of the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers, Donald worked at the Adult Correctional Institute for over thirty years, helping to pioneer the Score Program.
Donald was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. A friend to many Donald will be missed by all who knew him.
Visit https://www.oneillfuneralhomes.com/obituary/donald-suggs for Donald's full obituary and service details.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Suggs
Sponsored by Manning-Heffern-O’Neill Funeral Home - Pawtucket.
Jim Squadrito
November 2, 2025
Don was like a brother to me and I respected him not only as the team super star on our championship basketball team but as a true friend and confidant. It is my hope that I will see him again when it is my turn to see the eternal light of our creator.
Jim “Squash” Squadrito ❤❤
Squash
September 2, 2024
Had many memories of this legend on the basketball court and as a true friend. Hopefully I will join you again someday shooting hoops.
Eric Marks
August 13, 2024
I learned of Donald's passing at Tolman's 60th reunion. He was a remarkable basketball player but more than that, brought a true spirit to our school and our class. Rest in Peace Donald, you made high school that much more memorable for me.
Patrick Breault
April 3, 2024
Don I played with you at Tolman. I enjoyed every time we played. Pat Breault 1961
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Rochelle Gibbs
April 24, 2023
My Donald D, you fought a good fight, see you when I get there!!!
PAM LEAH
January 15, 2023
I MET DONALD 20 YEARS AGO, HE WAS SUCH A KIND, CARING AND COMPASSIONATE MAN. A TRUE GENTLE GIANT,WHO LOVED HIS FAMILY VERY MUCH. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY, PAM LEAH
George Elefsiades
January 14, 2023
Godspeed donnie you were a good man and friend see you on the other side my brother
Dale Agostinelli
December 21, 2022
I knew Don for many years from working as a pharmacist at the CVS on Newport Ave in Pawtucket. We used to meet at the dog park where our two dogs would play. He would always bring Emma into the store to see me. I will miss his gentle spirit and constant smile. I will miss my friend forever. Please accept my deepest condolences, for losing Don is a huge loss for this weary world.
Timothy donahue
December 8, 2022
I remember suggs swimming at mccales and the boys club
Robert Thibodeau
November 28, 2022
Gerry and Richard just heard that Donald has passed. So sorry may he Rest In Peace.
Steve Plante
November 27, 2022
The nicest man I´ve ever met. Started in high school and every time I would see him after that. A true loss. My condolences.
William Klepsak
November 27, 2022
Just saw your passing; as I was looking for someone else; who recently passed. You probably don't remember me as we were not friends at Tolman High. Just classmates. I remember that you had such a nack for basketball. I wished that I could play as well as you. That was not to be as I was skinny and awkward around just about anybody. I remembered just now how fondly everyone thought of you back then. You are still remembered....fondly. Rest in Peace.
Gloria Tiberi
November 18, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tracey Baptista-Martinez
November 16, 2022
So much left unspoken, but I thank you for understanding always. Rest easy big guy.
Michael Di Paolo
November 15, 2022
My condolences to the entire Suggs family. Although I haven't seen Donnie in decades, my memories of him always bring a smile to my face ... he was definitely one of the good guys you meet so rarely in life.
RIP
Janet Fries- Freeman
November 15, 2022
Donald could always make us laugh. I can still hear him laughing "looking good, Friesy." He made RIC so much fun. One of my favorite memories was when he took me to Greene Airport for my flight home to Maryland. He was in his correctional uniform making every one believe he was putting me on a plane to my next incarnation. He was so much fun. My condolences to his family and friends.
Janet Palli/Fredericks
November 15, 2022
My sincere condolences to your entire family! Donnie was a very special friend to me and my friends at Rhode Island College! I hold so many memories of this wonderful man in my heart. RIP my dear friend.
Susan & Raquel Santos
November 15, 2022
We have wonderful memories of Donnie. He will always be in our hearts. Aunt Charity sends her love and condolences to the family. She would be with you today if she could.
Keith Mancini
November 15, 2022
Rest in Peace Don. Your influence, Dedication, and Smile shall live on. My condolences to all of Don's family.
D. Nerney
November 15, 2022
Take care " Spanky"
Bryan Edmund Pilz
November 14, 2022
My sincere condolences to the entire Suggs family on your lose.Donald was a friend and a good man whose heart was as big as he was tall.Rest in Peace brother until we meet again in Valhalla
Linda Comstock
November 14, 2022
Rest in peace. My condolences to family. Lasting memory
Carol Ann Getter
November 13, 2022
Mr. Suggs... so dependable, so straight-forward, so professional, and truly, very kind with a wonderful sense of humor, and always a word of encouragement. Rest in Peace, dear Sir, and may your loved ones be comforted.
Bill Quattrocchi
November 13, 2022
My sincere condolences to Donalds family. He was an excellent officer and he always respected the staff as well as his co-workers. Rest in peace Donald.
Mike Reeder
November 13, 2022
Donald was not only a great athlete, but to me a very close friend, he will always be remembered as a very caring and giving person and will surly be missed by all his close friends. Mike Reeder
Steve Pichie
November 12, 2022
Rest in peace brother Don!! Will always remember the RIBCO Softball tournaments and your smiling face. My condolences to Don's family!!
Bruce Wilde
November 11, 2022
RIP Don; great memories of many nights of softball, celebrating championships in Buster's basement bar with a terrific crew!
John Reeder
November 11, 2022
My deepest condolences to the Suggs family.
Rest In Peace
John Reeder
Jack Hosey
November 11, 2022
My condolences to Don’s family. More memories than I can remember. From Novelty Park, CYO, Kip’s Corner and many more. Thanks for being a good friend and a great guy.
Francelia Andrade
November 10, 2022
My sincerest condolences to Debbie, Justin and family. May God bless you all with peace at this time.
Pete Germani
November 10, 2022
Rest in Peace Brother, until we meet again. My sincere and heart felt condolences to family and friends.
Kathy Kiley
November 10, 2022
My sincere condolences to the family. Don was a good friend and honorable man. Don was close to my brother John Kiley, aka “Space” and also a great friend to my husband Barney Ward. Playing pool at the house on Lyon Street, CYO and Boys Club, KIP’s Corner, The Q Master and sharing many Thanksgiving Tolman/Saints pre game festivities, he will be missed.
roger boccanfuso
November 10, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with don's family, donnie was always there for anyone that needed him and he will be missed by all, rest in peace my ***FRIEND***
keith vieira
November 10, 2022
Always had a smile on his face. A true icon of the A.C.I.
Ron Brule
November 10, 2022
Rest in peace Donnie! My condolences to your family, I am sure they have pleasant memories.
Melissa Lobianco ( McDonald)
November 10, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you right now sending deepest condolences
Brenda Reynolds
November 9, 2022
Sincere condolences to the entire family. Don was a great coach and friend. We had a lot of fun back in the day and he was always there to offer advice and encouragement. Rest In Peace Don.
Jescenia Gonzalez
November 9, 2022
Dear Suggs Family,
I am wishing you all peace to bring comfort and courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. My deepest condolences.
Paula Williams
November 9, 2022
My sincere condolences to Donald's family. I knew him from being our coach from softball. What a good coach he was. He was a great friend and I would bump into him once in a while. Donald had a good heart and made me laugh alot during our softball games. Will miss him dearly and will never forget him.
Michael Twohig
November 9, 2022
The Twohig family lost a member. Rest In Peace my brother. Michael Twohig
RIP Donald Suggs it was a pleasure working with you brother !!
Louis Cesario
November 9, 2022
Donald was a great guy that would do anything for anybody.......We will always have you in our hearts brother !! RIP
Eddie Jones
November 9, 2022
Donald had a great heart. Glad I got to know him during and after our time at RIC. Will never forget you.
JOYCE ROGERS
November 9, 2022
To the Entire Suggs Family,
So Sorry for your loss. Donald was a very good Man. He did a lot for everyone and took care of everyone, especially the children. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Goode
November 9, 2022
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Nancy Walsh
November 9, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Donald passing.. My deepest condolences to Don’ family.
Sandy MELLEN
November 9, 2022
Don, we didn't see much of each other as we got older but as you know, there was always a special bond between us. I always knew you would be there for me if I ever needed you and vs versa. We had such fun as teenagers and made lots of crazy memories. I'm remembering you carrying me, (4ft 10") around Tolman High every time you saw me in the halls or staircases. I felt like a big girl. All the parties at your home and also the time a bunch of us skipped school on senior bunk day and got into an accident on the way to Olivos Beach. We were in deep doo doo that day. Love and will miss your funny ways. Fly high my friend.
Rest In Peace Don,
Sandy (Bibby) Mellen
Paul M. Petit
November 9, 2022
To the Family of Donald,
My deepest sympathy to the Family of Don. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years. Please know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Sincerely,
amy corrigan
November 9, 2022
Don was a wonderful man. A great mentor to many of us through the Central Falls Community Center. He coached me and my friends with my dad through Holy Trinity and the Central Falls Rec programs. He was always wonderful to me and Maria and I treasure our Dragon Villa days! Deb, Justin, Marcus, Maya, and Jerry--you are all in my thoughts and have my sincere condolences.
maria cruzCruz
November 8, 2022
My condolences to all of you. Don was a great person. He was my coach and friend since I was very young. We’d go eat Dragon Villa. Rides to our basketball games. Could always count on him
Rest in Peace
Friendly Giant if you liked you before him if he didn´t like you just get out the way!
THOMAS S WALTERS Jr
November 8, 2022
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Nov
15
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9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Manning-Heffern-O’Neill Funeral Home - Pawtucket220 Cottage St., Pawtucket, RI 02860
Nov
15
Funeral service
11:00 a.m.
Manning-Heffern-O’Neill Funeral Home - Pawtucket220 Cottage St., Pawtucket, RI 02860
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Manning-Heffern-O’Neill Funeral Home - Pawtucket220 Cottage St., Pawtucket, RI 02860
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