Donald J. Thibeault, 79
Swank Retiree
Dateline: Attleboro, MA
Donald J. Thibeault, 79, of Attleboro formerly of Norton died peacefully at home on Thursday July 5, 2007 surrounded by the love and care of his devoted family. He was the beloved husband of Gertrude E. (Lehr) Thibeault to whom he was wed to on April 29, 1950.
Born in Central Falls, Rhode Island on August 24, 1927 he was a son of the late Joseph R. and Fabiola R. (Dion) Thibeault.
He grew up in the Barrowsville section of Norton and was educated in Norton schools, graduating in 1945 from Norton High School. Upon graduation he entered the U.S. Navy during WWII. Following his discharge from the U.S. Navy Donald went on to graduate from the Industrial Refrigeration & Air Conditioning School in Boston.
Mr. Thibeault was a retired Service & Adjustment Manager having worked for Swank, Inc. for 45 years. He started with the company at its Attleboro office and retired from the Co.’s Taunton office. At Swank Mr. Thibeault had served for 1 year as president and 2 years as vice-president for the Swank Federal Credit. He was also a member and former chairman of the Swank Athletic Committee.
A lifelong and active member of St. Mary’s Church in Norton, Donald served as a Chairman 2 times and a Co-Chairman also 2 times of St. Mary’s Bazaar. He was a member and served 2 consecutive terms as president of the Holy Name Society. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Mary’s Church in Norton and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus honor guard.
Active in Norton town affairs, Donald served for several years on the Norton Board of Assessors. He was an Assistant Scout Master and later a Scout Master of Troup 12 in the Chartley section of Norton for several years. When younger he was a Lieutenant on the Norton Volunteer Fire Department assigned to Engine 5.
A true sports enthusiast Donald’s favorite sport was baseball. He loved baseball and was given the opportunity to try out for the Cincinnati Reds for which he was offered a contract, but because he was not 21 and still going to school he had to decline the offer. He also played and pitched for the Attleboro Baseball Twilight League for many years.
His other hobbies in addition to sports were fishing, swimming, gardening and the pride taken in the meticulous maintenance of his yard, especially his rose bushes. He truly treasured the times spent with family. Mr. Thibeault had lived in Attleboro for the past 9 years and was a former longtime resident of Norton.
In addition to his beloved wife of over 57 years he is survived by his devoted children; Susan M. Dennett and her husband John of Westhampton, Glenn P. Thibeault of
Brattleboro, Vermont, Mark S. Thibeault and his wife Rebecca of Waynesville, Missouri, Donna M. Beane and her husband John of Marlboro and Lisa E. Blanchette and her husband Todd of Attleboro. He was the dear brother of the late Florence M. Thibeault. Also surviving are his cherished 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Tuesday July 10th at 9:00 A.M. from the Norton Memorial Funeral Home 19 Clapp St. (Off Route 140, Taunton Ave.) Norton followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated at 10:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, South Worcester St. Norton. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Mansfield. Following the burial services all are invited back to join with the family at the Moose Cabin Restaurant 220 O’Neil Blvd in Attleboro for a time of continued fellowship and refreshments.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday July 9th from 5-8 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald’s memory may be made to the Community Visiting Nurse Agency, Inc. 10 Emory St. Attleboro, MA 02703.
For additional information please visit www.nortonmemorial.com