EDGEWATER FL__Donald R. Thibodeau, 65, passed away January 11, 2006 at Bert Fish Medical Center, New Smyrna Beach, FL after a long illness, surrounded by his devoted wife and loving children. Prior to living in Florida Don was an 18 year resident of Southbridge, MA. He leaves his wife of 22 years, Denise B. Campion, one son, Peter Thibodeau and his companion Beth Sirekis of Edgewater, FL, four daughters, Michelle Goodwin and her husband Phil of Oxford, Danielle Cote and her husband Bob of Auburn, Claudine Thibodeau and her companion Mike McKeown of Worcester, Rochelle Cote and her husband Rick of Worcester, one step-son Craig Medeiros and his wife Jessica of Wareham, MA, one brother Richard Thibodeau of Hypoloxo, FL and one sister, Arlene Penny of Boyton Beach, FL, his former wife Phyllis Carter and her husband Ed of Worcester, twelve grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and one uncle. Don was born and raised in Worcester, son of Wilfred and Aurora Marie (Daoust) Thibodeau. He graduated from Commerce High School and was a veteran of the United States Air Force.
He retired in 2001 from the Worcester Telegram where he worked for 38 years. Eighteen of those years were in the composing room and twenty years as a retail advertising executive. Don was an avid motorcyclist his entire life. He particularly loved Harley Davidson Motorcycles and was a member of the Daytona Beach Chapter Harley Owners Group, the National Harley Owners Group and a former member of the Worcester Chapter Harley Owners Group. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, woodworking, playing cribbage with his good friend Peter Vecchio and especially loved playing horseshoes with his son and son-in-laws. Although Don lived in Edgewater a short time, he felt the Florida weather was paradise after so many years of the New England weather.
He was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church in Southbridge for many years and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in New Smyrna Beach. Don was a very gentle man and compassionate grandfather who loved his grandchildren dearly. He also had a great love of animals, all shapes and sizes, making them members of the family.
Calling hours in DIRSA-MORIN FUNERALHOME, 298 Grafton St., Worcester will be on Sunday, January 15, 2006 from 2 to 5 p.m. A funeral Mass will be on Monday, January 16, 2006 at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St., Worcester with his cousin Rev. William Champlin officiating. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the City of Edgewater Animal Services, P.O. Box 100, Edgewater, FL 32141.