Donald T. Wark, 85, of Salem, died May 15, 2018 in Charleston, SC after complications from a fall while vacationing on an annual trip to Edisto Island, SC. He was the beloved husband of Laurette L. Hoover . Don was predeceased by his first wife of 46 years, Maureen (Murphy) Wark and his son Thomas K. Wark.
Donald was born in Newton, MA to Alfred T. and Margaret (Chardonait) Wark. He attended Westford Academy and Lowell Technical Institute and received his master’s degree from Western New England College. He pursued his doctoral studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Don proudly served his country as an officer in the U.S. Air Force before beginning his career at Monsanto Chemical Company, teaching at the collegiate level and consulting in the plastics industry. Don led a very active life with family and in the community.
Don was a long time parishioner of Ste. Anne Parish in Salem. He served in many roles, including as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, Leader of ARISE, Coordinator of greeters and as a member of the Parish Council. He was also a key participant in the parish’s annual fundraising bazaar. In November of 2014, Donald was awarded the Cheverus Award Medal, by Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston. This award is conferred upon selected individuals throughout the archdiocese for their service to the Catholic Church and God’s people. Donald also worshipped at First Congregational Church of Hamilton with his wife Laurette who is a member of the church. Donald was a faithful servant of the Lord and spread his faith to those most in need throughout his life. He will be remembered for his compassion, empathy, kindness, love of his family and his Wheaton Terrier, Annie.
Don is survived by his wife Laurette. He is also survived by his son Stephen and his wife Lisa of Shrewsbury, MA, His daughter Elizabeth and her husband Douglas Keskula of Sylva, NC, his son, Lawrence and his wife Corinne of Alexandria, VA, his son, Andrew and his wife Maureen of Salem. Donald also leaves, his brother-in-law, Randall Hoover and his wife Jennifer of Beverly Hills, MI and sister-in-law, Demaree Hoover and her husband John Glenn o Waterford, MI. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Brendan Murphy and his wife Diane and sister-in-law Sheila Murphy, as well as by several nephews, nieces and cousins. In addition, Donald is also survived by daughter-in-law, Svetlana Bolshakova of Moscow, Margaret Wark of Berryville, VA and Kathleen Wark of Nashville, TN. Donald was the adored grandfather of Aileen Bennett and her husband Lee, Alex Wark, Matthew Keskula, Thomas L. Wark, Meredith Griggs and her husband Phillip and Leonid Bolshakova. He was also great-grandfather to Samuel Bennett.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visiting hours at Ste. Anne Church 290 Jefferson Ave., Salem on Friday, June 15, 2018 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. All are invited to his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday,, June 16th at 11:30 AM in church, to be followed by a luncheon in the parish family room. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lifebridge of Salem http://www.lifebridge.org/donate.html Funeral arrangement are by the Levesque Funeral Home of Salem. For guest book and additional information, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com