Donald F. Atwood, age 89, died Tuesday, May 1 at his home in Lowell, surrounded by his family after an a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Rita I. (Bedard) (Morel) Atwood.
He was born in Lowell on Dec. 30, 1917, the son of the late William and Nora (Sullivan) Atwood. Mr. Atwood was a lifelong resident of Lowell and was a communicant of St. Patrick Parish. Mr. Atwood served with the US Army and the Merchant Marines during WWII.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a foreman with the City of Lowell Parks Department from 1951 until 1982. In his younger years, Mr. Atwood enjoyed boxing and competed in the Golden Gloves in Lowell. He also enjoyed reading, walking and jogging.
Besides his wife, he is survived by two step-daughters, Carol A. Gagnon and her fiancee, Mickey Fearon, of Dracut, Laura M. Sievert and her husband, Peter of Tyngsboro; three step-sons, Ronald J. Morel, Robert A. Morel, and Fred D.J. Morel and his wife Pamela, all of Lowell; 17 step-grandchildren, 17 step-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late William and Robert Atwood and Mary Hamel, and step-grandfather of the late Michael Gagnon.
Relatives and friends may call at the M. R. LAURIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 295 Pawtucket St., Lowell, on Thursday, May 3rd, from 4 to 8pm. Funeral Friday morning with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 o'clock at St. Patrick Church, Lowell. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery.