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Donald R. "Gramps" Anderson, 89, a resident of Templeton, passed away peacefully under the loving care of his family on February 22, 2016 after a brief illness.
Donald was born in Gardner and lived in Templeton for over 80 years, he was the son of Henning and Marie (Joslin) Anderson.
He leaves his loving wife Linda (Peters) of 30 years, his son, David Anderson of San Diego, CA; two daughters, Joan Gadoury and her husband, Richard, of Fitchburg and Gail Andrews and her husband, Dan, of Manchester; seven grandchildren, Rawleen White and her husband, Gerry, of Templeton, Tawn Pavlosky and her fiancée Robert, Caine Pavlosky and his wife, Kim, of Las Vegas, Garvin Pavlosky and his wife, Tracey, of Gardner, Grant Anderson of Waltham, Stephanie Williams and her husband, Christopher, of Townshend; great-grandchildren; Kyra Frickey, Kidan Pearl, Isabella Reese and Lola Pavlosky. He was predeceased by two sisters, one brother, grandson; Shawn Anderson, and great-grandson; Christopher Starkweather.
Donald was employed at Columbus and Berg as an apprentice painter in Gardner until his enlistment in the United States Navy in 1943 where he entered training at Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, IL moving on to Gunnery School, Camp Bradford, VA and then to serve on the USS LST922 of NTS, Sampson, NY as a Gunner's Mate Third Class until 1946. His tour took him to the Lingayen Gulf, Zambales-Subic Bay, Palawan Islands and Visayan Islands landings. He was present for the Victory Celebration ending the war and duties continued to occupation services in the Far East and China. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal (1 star), and the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal (2 stars).
Upon his return, he worked for and retired from the US Postal Service located in Fitchburg, MA after 29 years and then worked for Country Home Furnishings, Temple Stuart, Chair City Manufacturing, Heywood-Wakefield, New England Firearms, and Paul's Driving School.
He was a deacon of the First Congregational Church of Templeton, commander (1978 & 1979) and a lifetime member of the Baldwinville Legion Post 373. He graduated from Worcester Trade School electrical courses, American Sign Language Course and Small Engine Repair Course. He is a Charter Member of the WWII Memorial Registry of Remembrances and the Templeton Fire and Safety Board.
He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, woodworking, bird watching, and all Boston sports teams. He had the patience to stand perfectly still and get chickadees to eat from his hand. He and Linda spent many a summers on Lake Winnipesaukee and travelled everywhere to enjoy their love of square dancing. Known as "Gramps" by many, he enjoyed playing Texas Hold 'em every chance he could and enjoyed his time with "the fellas". He looked forward to Wilson Bus Tours and family gatherings. He will be lovingly missed by his family, friends and canine companion, Lucee. He will be remembered for his humor, quick wit and kind heart.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Donald's family from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on February 25, 2016 in the Lamoureux Fletcher and Smith Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner. Burial with military honors will be held on February 26th at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Templeton Fire Department Association, 2 School St, Baldwinville, MA 01436 or a charity of your choice.
To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.fletcherfuneral.com. The Lamoureux Fletcher and Smith Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is honored to be assisting the family with the arrangements.
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