Donald H. Badeau Sr.

Donald H Badeau Sr. passed away peacefully on September 24 at the age of 96 in the company of his family. Born on November 4, 1927 in Brockton, MA to Clifton and Effie (née Holmes) Badeau, he loved to tell stories of working as a young boy on the Hayward Farm in South Easton where his Dad and Mom ran the Bristol County Auto shop. He was a graduate of Oliver Ames High School and a very proud enlisted Navy man. Donald treasured his time in the Navy from 1945-1947, signing up as soon as he was eligible. After obtaining his aviation store clerk certification in Jacksonville, FL he was stationed in the desert in Inyokurn CA. He would often joke about being a Navy man stationed in the desert but it was there he enjoyed the camaraderie of his Navy mates, making lifelong friends while enjoying visits to Yosemite and flying with the Navy pilots. Returning home to South Easton, MA, he was an avid motorcyclist, hanging out with the Tumbleweeds gang from Monty’s motorcycle shop in West Bridgewater and won many motocross races. He also enjoyed candlepin bowling.

Donald and wife Ruthie (deceased 2016) raised 7 children in Pembroke, MA where they lived from 1958 to 1995. He made a career in the farm equipment business working in sales, service and repair throughout southeastern Massachusetts. He enjoyed his business relationships with many farmers, cranberry bog owners, small construction owners and municipalities. At home, he could repair just about anything he set his sights on. He was very active in coaching and volunteered for many years in youth baseball and basketball in Pembroke. While each often worked two jobs, Donald and Ruthie rarely missed a game or event their children were participating in. The Badeau family’s best times were at Saquish Beach in Plymouth. In retirement, Donald obtained his pilot license flying out of Plymouth Airport. His idol was Ted Williams as he admired his individuality but mostly his service as a pilot in two wars. He was thrilled to finally see his beloved Red Sox and the Patriots win multiple championships. Donald and Ruthie enjoyed 20 retirement years in Pine Island, FL enjoying Red Sox spring training games with friends and traveling throughout the country in their camper van before returning to Massachusetts and settling in Sandwich in 2015.

Donald was predeceased by his beloved Ruthie, son Robert, and two grandsons. He leaves 6 children, Carl Sr. and wife Joyce of Jay, Maine, Kirk and partner Denise Fogg of Salem, CT, Ed Sr. of Portland, Maine, Meghan Louer and husband Don of Amsterdam, NY, Don Jr. and wife Lynne of Plymouth, MA, and David and partner Fran Sullivan of S. Wellfleet, MA. He also leaves 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

In his memory, the Badeau family asks for all to consider donations to dementia research and to give time to elderly care in your community. Many thanks to Sturdy Memorial Hospital and Hope Health Hospice for their care at the end of Donald’s life. The Badeau family will have a private remembrance. Condolences may be extended here: [email protected] .