Donald J. DeLorme

                     LAVERY CHARTRAND ALARIO FUNERAL HOME

                                      99 SUMMER ST. FITCHBURG, MA

                                              Obituary Notice

        Fitchburg: Donald J. DeLorme was born July 29,1934 to Albert and Yvonne (Martineau) DeLorme.He is predeceased  by both his parents and 5 brothers and sisters, Rachel Paradise, Eugene DeLorme, Francis DeLorme, Therese Gokey, and Eleanor Gilbert, as well as his nephew, James Gilbert. He leaves behind His last sister, Claire Sullivan of Fitchburg, MA, his nieces, Bonnie (Gilbert) Mahoney, Bobbie (Gilbert) Kingsbury, and Sarah (Denis) Gilbert along with many other nieces and nephews.

Although Don or Uncle D as many of us called him, never married he was a devote family man who cared for his mom and helped raise 6 nieces, nephews and great nephews as if they were his own  .

In 1981 his sister Ellie and her three children (Bonnie, Bobbie, and Jim) moved in with him and his days of helping raise children began. In 1987 Bobbie gave  birth to Seth and for 5 years D was a part of helping raise him. In 2007 Jim and his wife Sarah moved “back home” and soon after,Sam arrived then a few years later Luke arrived. Even after Jim died almost 2 years ago, and he himself was nearly 90, he never stopped helping Sarah with the boys. Donald was an amazing son, brother, and uncle/surrogate father.

Donald joined the U.S. Navy in 1954 and served 20 years before retiring in 1974. He returned home to Fitchburg and took care of his mother after losing his father in 1972. Donald then went to work for Gokey & Quinn Bus Company where he stayed until it closed in 2009. There he worked as a school bus driver and bus mechanic, but he most enjoyed doing long trips chartered in conjunction with Russ Cook Tours. His favorite was the annual 2 week trip to Florida where he would come back about 5 shades darker and carrying  2 big bags of fresh oranges.

But his favorite place to be was at “the camp”. You could find him there every weekend in summer. Playing games or cards with the family. He made it a favorite place for everyone that loved him since the mid 70’s

In his retirement he loved traveling with his sister Claire to annual Navy reunions and the many battleships he had served on.

His Funeral will be held on Monday June 16,2 025 with a Mass @ 10a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church 81 Sheridan St.  Fitchburg, MA followed by his Interment in St. Bernard Cemetery with Military Honors.

Calling hours are Sunday, June 15,2025   at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. All are welcome to attend .

The Lavery Chartrand Alario Funeral Home 99 Summer St. Fitchburg is directing