Hanson - Donald Edwin “Donnie” Hammond, 51, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2014, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston. Born in 1963 to Roy and Lorraine (Webber) Hammond, he was the youngest of four children and lived his entire life in Hanson, MA.
A graduate of Whitman-Hanson High School, Donnie was an outgoing and charismatic man who enjoyed camping, the ocean, all sports, and greatly appreciated hard work. In his spare time he enjoyed relaxing at home and watching TV (especially soap operas), or sitting by a fire on a Friday night. He also enjoyed Bruce Springsteen and Neil Diamond, and could often be found dancing (sometimes alone) to the music he loved so much. He was semi-retired but continued to serve as the Caretaker of Fern Hill Cemetery, a position he’d held for many years.
Donnie was extremely proud of his daughter, Carly, 24 who described him as the most loving and caring person she’s known, her hero, and her best friend. He is also survived by his wife of 27 years, Lynne Hammond; his two step-sons, Brian Holbrook, of Anchorage, AK, and Brendon Holbrook and his wife Margaret, as well as Donnie’s grandchildren, Carter and Avery, of Ft. Belvoir, VA; his older sister, Elise (Hammond) Long and her husband John, of Plymouth, MA; His older brother, Jeff and his wife Nora, of Hanson, MA; and his older brother Mark, and his wife Valerie of Westerly, RI; as well as his many loving nieces, nephews, other family and countless friends. Donnie was an engaged, funny, and dependable husband, father, grandfather and friend that could be counted on to help in any situation.
The family will host visitation on Friday, September 5th from 4:00-8:00 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. Graveside services for Donnie will be held Saturday September 6th at 10:00 AM in the Fern Hill Cemetery, High Street, Hanson.
In lieu of flowers may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 5 Manley St., West Bridgewater, MA. 02379