Donald M. Gillette

North Brookfield – Donald M. Gillette, 82, of West Brookfield Rd., died Saturday, January 14, 2017.

He leaves two sons, Donald J. Gillette and his life companion, Tracy Davenport and Herbert M. Gillette and his wife Barbara; his daughter, Catherine Patchen, all of North Brookfield; two sisters, Maureen Cody and Janice Bassett; 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  His wife of 60 years, Barbara E. (Green) Gillette died in 2015.  He was born in Springfield, son of the late Donald M. Gillette, Sr. and Josephine M. (Trudell) Gillette.  He and Barbara lived in East Brookfield before moving to North Brookfield in 1974.

Donald was the owner of Gillette Construction Company in North Brookfield, retiring in 2009.  He was an avid gardener, and enjoyed growing beautiful flowers around his home. 

He was a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Church in North Brookfield, where he often volunteered his time on various projects.

A Funeral Mass for Donald will be held Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph’s Church in North Brookfield.  Calling hours will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2017 from 6 to 8PM in the Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., West Brookfield.  Burial will be in the spring in Walnut Grove Cemetery in North Brookfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Baystate Health Foundation, Inc., 280 Chestnut St., Springfield 01199 to support Cancer Care at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware.