Donald J. LaPierre

Donald J. LaPierre, 93, of Turners Falls, was born in Portland, Maine on January 20, 1931 to Frank and Phyllis LaPierre. He met his future wife Rita at a dance in Portland where they fell in love and married in 1955. His career in education spanned 38 years as a high school teacher of Latin, English, and French, an assistant principal and finally as principal of Turners Falls High School for 22 years. During his tenure, he oversaw the transition of the old high school on Crocker Avenue to its current location on Turnpike Road. He also played an integral role in overseeing the establishment of the Great Falls Middle School. Don attended many proms, some with danceable music, some not, school plays, sports, concerts, and booster day parades. His children reaped the benefit of knowing first if a snow day had been called when the phone rang a few hours before school began. He graduated from Chevrus High School in Portland, ME and then from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, he earned a Master's Degree in Secondary School Administration from the University of Maine.

After retiring, he and wife Rita travelled the country in their Coachmen Camper. They also ventured to Japan to visit daughter Karen and family as well as to Italy. He led many an adventurous hike to the White Mountains with son David and friend Jon. For their 65th wedding anniversary, Don and Rita spent a weekend at the Von Trapp Lodge in Vermont. They enjoyed vacations on the Cape with daughters Diane and Jeanne and their families. Don, aka "Grampy", was the biggest kid in the bumper boat battles, mini golf, or playing cards.

For several years he served as chairperson of the Tournament Management Committee of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association and was a Trustee of the Wells Trust Fund for 20 years.

He was a member of the Thomas Memorial Golf and Country Club for many years. His family has heard the fabulous and true tale of his hole in one more than once and more than twice. He was a devoted parishioner of our Lady of Peace Parish and could be relied upon to deliver goods and furniture to Montague Catholic Social Ministries. Don was also the friendly face greeting voters at the downtown polling site in Turners Falls. Due to his longevity at the school, everyone knew Mr. LaPierre.

The oldest of six children, he is survived by wife Rita of 69 years, his sister Virginia Cragin of South Portland. He leaves behind four children and their spouses: Jeanne LaPierre of Connecticut, Karen Wakayama of Japan, David LaPierre of Virginia, and Diane Elenbaas of Massachusetts and four grandchildren: Naomi, Nathan, Benjamin, and Nora.

Services in celebration of Don's life and many gifts, will be observed on Saturday, November 9, 2024 with a Liturgy of Christian Burial to be offered in his parish, Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls, MA, to be celebrated by his Pastor and close friend Rev. Fr. Stanley J. Aksamit at 11:00AM. Don's family will receive guests prior to the Mass, in the vestibule of the church from 10:00AM until 10:45AM. Private committal services will be observed at the convenience of his family, with interment to take place in the Calvary Cemetery, South Portland, ME. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Our Lady of Peace Church, in c/o the parish Social Justice Commission, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls, MA 01376.

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