NATICK: Donald Edward Atherton, age 55, a lifelong Natick resident, died on Sunday evening, April 3, 2016, at the Eliot Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Natick.
Born in Framingham, he was a son of the late Donald F. and Mary (Sweeney) Atherton. He grew up in South Natick, attending the Natick Public Schools and playing hockey with the Natick Comets. Donnie suffered a debilitating aneurism at the age of 10, and after a protracted hospitalization spent two years at Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown. It was during his recuperation that the Comets retired his number.
Donnie was employed for many years in the mailroom at the US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, locally referred to as the Natick Labs. He moved to a condo a short distance from the center of Natick and enjoyed walking to various shops to say hello or make a purchase.
An outgoing and personable man who was quick to share a quirky or humorous story, Donnie was a testament to perseverance. Despite his continuing medical difficulties it was rare that he’d not greet others with a smile.
He is survived by a niece, Shannon M. Atherton of Weymouth; his brother James Atherton of FL, and a brother and sister, Peter Atherton and Joann Atherton of VA.
His funeral service will be held in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, on Thursday, April 7th at 7:00PM. Relatives and friends may visit with the family beginning at 4:00PM.