Donald W. Keith, 91, of Nashua, passed away Sunday evening, March 15, 2015 at the Crestwood Center in Milford after a long battle with Parkinsons Disease.
Born in Nashua on December 12, 1923, he was the son of the late Ralph L. and Diana A. (Fontaine) Keith. Don was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1941 and attended Northeastern University in Boston. During World War II, Mr. Keith served with the Army Air Corps as an airplane mechanic at Harding Field in Baton Rouge, Louisianna.
While stationed in Baton Rouge, Don met Ida M. Frazee at a square dance. They married on July 10, 1946 and made their home in Merrimack, NH raising their family in the house that Donald built.
After completion of his military service, Don was employed as an automotive mechanic for a time and later worked for the Friden Company of Bedford, repairing typewriters and other office equipment around the New England area.
Don was a quiet man who enjoyed canoeing, brook trout fishing, bird watching, hiking and long walks. In the community, Don served as a Boy Scout leader for a few years and at one time was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Nashua. Family was most important to Donald and he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He had a generous heart and was always willing to help whenever he saw a need.
Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ida M. Keith of Nashua; two daughters Kathleen K. Villeneuve and her husband, Thomas of West Chester, PA and formerly of Hancock, NH and Rebecca Diane Belonga of Nashua, four grandchildren, Claire Villeneuve, Mark Belonga, Nicole Belonga and Monique Belonga, and five great-grandchildren, Maelynn Karafelis, Mitchell Hassell, Christian Belonga, Desiree Belonga and Dennis Belonga. Don was predeceased by a son-in-law, Benjamin Belonga III, a granddaughter, Lauren Villeneuve and a great-granddaughter, Rylea Belonga.
SERVICES: There will be no formal services at this time. Friends wishing to express their sympathy, may make donations in his memory to Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054 or to the Boy Scouts of America, Daniel Webster Council, 571 Holt Aveneue, Manchester, NH 03109. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com
