Donald R. Cadieux

Donald R. Cadieux, 84, a native son of Marlborough, MA and long-time resident of

Winchendon, MA peacefully passed away on Thursday, August 6th.

Don had a gift for connecting with people. With his warm, mischievous smile, self assurance,

and friendly, light-hearted manner, he could put anyone at ease. No matter

where or when — restaurants, elevators, store aisles, waiting rooms, cycling paths, libraries

— Don was quick to generate a conversation, elicit a smile, and share a laugh with

whomever was lucky enough to catch his eye. He believed that it was his responsibility to

brighten the day of anyone he encountered. All who knew him will forever remember how

his kindness and humor touched their lives.

Donald’s natural ability to connect with others, his enduring optimism, and his sense of

humor were just a few of the traits that endeared him to his family, friends, colleagues, and

casual acquaintances. Don’s skill with people was a strong asset when he served in the Air

Force from 1954 to 1958; it also helped him to have a successful career as a programmer,

salesman, and marketing manager in the emerging field of technology. Don graduated from

Northeastern University with a BS in Data Processing Management. He worked as a

salesman for Sanders Data Systems, as National Sales Manager for Computer Devices, as

Vice President of Sales at Computer Design & Application, and as President of two

companies of his own creation: DIRECT of NEW ENGLAND and DRC DATA

COMMUNICATIONS.

Don and Sharron, his beloved wife of 46 years, designed and built their own timber-frame

house in a tranquil woodland setting. It was in this rustic home with its flowing brook and

wildlife that Don was happiest, especially when his children, grandchildren, relatives, and

friends came to visit. His daughters, Mary Ellen and JoAnne, and his grandchildren,

Curtis, Kevin, Megan, Patrick, and Grace, were his greatest joy. He was immensely proud of

the person each of them had become. In turn, they loved Papa as much for his absolute

acceptance as his silliness and inventive playfulness. He was forever creating crazy games

and activities, teaching them “special tricks” like his famous cure for hiccups, and leading

them on with such cries as, “Up the hill to San Juan! CHARGE!” His grandchildren once

gave him a special t-shirt which he wore with great pride: “Papa. The Man. The Myth. The

Legend.”

Don loved to make children laugh –– his own children, his grandchildren, his niece Franlisa

and nephew Otis, or children he met for the first time –– and to join in their laughter. In

addition to his family and home, Don’s other passions included reading, crossword puzzles,

cycling New England rail trails with Sharron, dining out for breakfast or dinner with friends,

and completing a wide range of creative projects around the home. Don was a masterful

story-teller who could spin a tale filled with a magical mix of fact and fiction. As Sharron

was fond of saying, “Don never let a few facts stand in the way of a good story!”

Don will be honored in a private military service at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in

Winchendon.

A celebration of Don’s life will occur in the future. Friends and family will be invited to share

stories and laughter and to remember this great man who brought love and joy to their

hearts.

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