SPENCER: Donald J. “Don” Riopel, 66, died Friday evening, December 22, 2017 at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, after a long illness.
He leaves his wife of 35 years, Diane J. (Lamotte) Riopel; his four step-children, Kelley Lederer and her husband Paul Skarmeas of North Grafton, Brian Lederer and his wife Kimberly of Jefferson; Amy Hare and her husband Michael of Spencer, Mark Lederer and his partner Kara Skandier of Boston; six step-grandchildren, Nicholas and Drew Lederer, of Jefferson, Zachary and Nathan Hare, of Spencer, Peter and Nicholas Skarmeas, of Holliston. He also leaves his beloved cousins Priscilla Delea and her husband Dan of Eastham, Geri Barris of Weston; and many second cousins.
He was born in Westfield, son of the late Raymond and Stephanie (Podzunas) Riopel. He grew up in Worcester’s Main South neighborhood and was a graduate of Doherty Memorial High School. He lived in Spencer for the last 47 years.
Don was the owner and operator of Don Riopel Painting Company for many years, until he recently retired. He previously operated his own roofing company which he started in 1980. Before that, he worked for 11 years at Worcester Wire (also known as National Standard).
He was an active member and former Director of the Harley Owners Group where he made so many wonderful friends. He enjoyed many years of golfing with great friends at Dunroamin Country Club. He also loved Thompson Pond and the friends with whom he shared his love of boating.
Don and Diane took many cruises and saw some beautiful places, including Hawaii. They loved to ride their Harley, traveling on the Fat Boy across the country. They went to Milwaukee many times for HOG Rallies, made 3 trips to Sturgis, South Dakota and enjoyed attending many state rallies, including Laconia, NH.
Don was a great guy and will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. His beloved puppy, “Mia” is still waiting for him to come home.
The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses at St. Vincent Hospital, and the wonderful staff of the Jewish Healthcare Center for the care they provided for Don.
MEMORIAL CALLING HOURS will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on THURSDAY, DEC. 28 in KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 154 Lincoln St., Worcester, immediately followed by A CELEBRATION of Don’s Life at 7 P.M., in the funeral home.
The family suggests donations in memory of Don be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. www.jimmyfund.org / To share your thoughts and memories with the family on-line, please visit www.kellyfuneralhome.com