Donald Edward Keith's Obituary
Donald Edward Keith, born 2/23/28 passed away peacefully on 5/31/19 at the age of 91 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Alta Lee Keith. Also survived by his older brother, Robert Keith of San Diego CA and younger brother, Richard Keith of New London NH.
Survived by his 4 children, Jeffrey and Mary Keith of Mashpee, MA, D Scott Keith and Jennifer Wilson of Sonoma, CA, Shellee and Steven Day and Jennifer and Tim Traylor, both of Highlands Ranch, CO.
8 Grandchildren and spouses: Brittany and Elio Lopes, Brandon Keith and Kayla Schultz, Camlyn and Shawn Ross, Ashlee Day Tenney, Alycia and Matt York, Alexandra Day and fiancé’ Matt Kirk, Brooke and Abbey Traylor.
9 Great-grandchildren, expecting # 10! Junior and Neiden Lopes, Kalia and Makena Ross, Preston, Luke and Hayden Tenney, Cameron and Callan York.
Lastly, survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Fred and Roxann Haynes of Englewood CO and numerous nieces and nephews that admired and loved their ‘Uncle Don’!
Don served in WWII as a USMC soldier and proud veteran throughout his life. He was the starting catcher for the USMC baseball team from 1946-1948. He was an active member of the VFW and American Legion. There was nothing he was more proud of than being a marine!
In 1953, he married the Waltham Mid-Century Queen Alta Sapp, also from Waltham MA. They were happily married for almost 7 decades and they were dedicated to each other. They then raised their 4 children on Sandy Brook Drive in Stow, MA from 1955 – 1985. This provided them all with an awesome upbringing in a great neighborhood and relationships that are maintained to this day. He provided and supported a loving family structure that encouraged sports, church and family time. He ensured that we attended many special occasions with family and friends from our days at York Beach, ME to summers at West Dennis, Cape Cod MA!
Don was a successful contractor and small business owner in Stow, MA for almost 30 years taking great pride in painting the gold letters on top the Town Hall back in the 70’s! He went on to a teaching career at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Hudson, MA where he connected with the students as well as the faculty. He demonstrated, provided and cultivated a strong work ethic throughout his career.
His hobbies and interests included gardening and he generously provided neighbors on Sandy Brook Dr. with the fruits of his labor from his beloved garden. His other passions were hockey and baseball. He was an outstanding defenseman for the State Champion Waltham High School team during the early 40’s. He went on to play ice hockey for the ‘Pix” Junior Olympics and the semi-pro Springfield Indians. He and his brother in law, Fred Haynes were the founding fathers of the ACTON-STOW Youth Ice hockey program in the 1960’s. He coached his sons and many others in a variety of programs. Don successfully managed and coached several Little League Baseball teams in Maynard, MA and Stow in the late 60’s as well. He was an active charter member and President of the Stow Lions Club in the 60’s. As you can see, Don contributed to the community in many ways.
Another passion was his annual Columbus Day weekend in Rangeley, ME that he organized for 36 years where the guys in the family and close family friends would enjoy golfing, hiking, canoeing, cooking outdoors, cards etc… and where he was nicknamed ‘Sarge’….orchestrating a ‘boot-camp’ experience!
Don was a well-respected friend and mentor to hundreds of youth and adults both in the town of Stow and Clearwater FL where he resided. He was an activist and leader of special interest groups. He loved cheering against the Red Sox and Bruins as he got older, but we think his heart was always with Boston!
Without a doubt, our Dad went out of his way to make a significant, positive impact on everyone he came in contact with and will be fondly remembered and respected for his many significant contributions throughout four generations strong.
*(You can honor Don by donating to the American Legion, Post 238 located at 900 Main St, Safety Harbor, FL 34695 in memory of Donald Edward Keith.)
**Burial and a service will be held in October date TBD at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA
What’s your fondest memory of Donald ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald ?
Share a story where Donald 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?