1947 - 2017
Visitation
August 25, 20174 PM- 8 PM
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
August 26, 201711AM
Dolan Funeral Home
Donald Berthram Singleton, 69 of Tyngsboro passed away on August 22, 2017 following a hard fought battle with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (often called Lou Gehrig’s Disease). He was born in Lowell, MA on December 21, 1947, son of the late Ruth Kinney Singleton and the late Richard Singleton.
He is survived by his wife of Audrey N. (Eaton) Singleton, with whom he would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on October 4, 2017. They met during high school while working at A.G. Pollard’s Department Store in Lowell . Two very devoted daughters and sons-in-law: Laurie Ann and Curtis Smith of Dracut and Carrie Irene and Jeremy Branchi of Nashua, NH. Four grand children: Elizabeth Ann Smith of Dracut and Payton Elyse, Jase Preston and Austin Cole Branchi of Nashua, NH.
His initial elementary schooling was in the Tyngsboro school system at the Winslow and Lakeview schools. As there was no high school in town at that time, he attended and graduated from Lowell High School , class of 1966 and played football under coach Ray Riddick. He was a graduate of Massachusetts Trade in Boston.
Following graduation, he worked for the Raytheon Company as a draftsman in Burlington, Waltham, Sudbury and Wayland for 8 years. He then became the Operations Manager for the Horn Corporation, packaging division, originally based in Cambridge, and then moved to Billerica and Lancaster where he retired after 47 years. Don was well known for his expertise with shipping of hazardous materials.
Don served in the United States Army Reserves for 29 years starting his military career in the Combat Support, 3rd Battalion, 18th Infantry of the187th Infantry Brigade and retired as a Master Sergeant from the 94th Army Command. He completed military training in Iceland, Canada and Germany.
He also was a proud member of the Tyngsboro Fire Association for 49 years retiring in 2012 as Deputy Chief. Don’s father (captain) and brother (chief) were also proud members of the fire department. It was convenient that Don was assigned to Fire Station #2, located directly across the street from his residence, which was built by his father and other members of the fire association.
He was a lifetime member of the Tyngsboro Sportsmen’s Club and served as an officer of the Executive Board.
He was a member of the Tyngsboro American Legion, Post 247 and had served on the Executive Committee.
Don was committed to the town of Tyngsboro and had served as a member of several committees including the Finance Committee, Highway Commission, Conservation Committee, and the Board of Fire Engineers.
One of the most difficult decisions Don had to make as his illness progressed was to stop playing golf. He enjoyed golfing in tournaments, and golfing with friends every chance he got. He was a member of St. Therese’s golf league and played every Wednesday afternoon at the Green Meadow golf course in Hudson, NH.
He is also survived by his brother, Richard Singleton and his wife, Lisa of Tyngsboro; sister Joyce Bell of Merrimack, NH, and his twin sister, Dorothy Lowe and her husband Dennis of Nashua, NH . His sisters-in-law Barbara Singleton of Lowell; Ruth Roy of Hudson, NH, Pamela Grant of Dracut, and Christine French and her husband, Eric of Maynard. Many nieces and nephews: Richard Singleton of Tyngsboro, Beth Craig of Tyngsboro, Dawn Stryker and her husband, Don, of Tyngsboro, Brian Bell of New Ipswich, NH, Robert Roy and his wife Josie of Hudson, NH, Amy Grant of Lowell, Julie Rocker of Alton, NH , Debra Manley and her husband Rob of Chelmsford, Lynn Rocker of Worcester, MA and Jeffrey Rocker and his wife, Kim of Bon Aqua, TN and Matthew Lowe of Hudson, NH
He was pre deceased by his sister-in-law, Dorothy Clawson of Michigan, and brothers-in law David Clawson of Michigan, Richard Roy of Hudson, NH, David Grant of Dracut and Harold Bell, III of Smethport, PA.
Visiting hours Friday 4 to 8 P.M. Funeral Service Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, MA. Burial in the Memorial Cemetery, Tyngsboro. Memorials may be made in his name to the Tyngsboro Firefighters Association 26 Kendall Road Tyngsboro, MA 01879 or Curt and Shonda Schilling ALS Clinic Lahey Clinic Foundation, Inc. 41 Mall Rd. Burlington, MA 01805. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
Terri
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Don was a truly honorable man in so many ways and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Personally I will miss his fun-loving ways and how he always made me laugh in his teasing way! Dear cousins, Audrey, Laurie, and Carrie, may your wonderful memories carry you through this sad time. Much love, Terri and family
Pamela Grant
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Don was more than my brother-in-law and Amy’s uncle. He was a beloved friend and trusted adviser in time of need. Rest easily, my friend, it’s time. Love, Pam
Linda Hull
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Don was a pleasure to take care of I will miss his good sense of humor. He is now an angel watching over his loved ones. God bless and our sincere sympathy, Linda hull and John his caretaker from guardian angels.
Colleen, Tom and Kyle
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Joyce, Dawn and families:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
The Nobles Family,
Tom, Colleen and Kyle
Candice Lindsey
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Rest in peace I will always remember the great talks we had at VFW. Candice Lindaey
Sharyn A. Bell
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Don, I will always remember your good natured way of teasing me. Times shared with you and your sisters and brother in your parents home. Sledding and swimming on the lake. But most of all your smile. Rest In Peace.
Marybeth Hopkins
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Audrey, I am so very sorry to hear about Don. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. With Deepest Sympathy, Marybeth Hopkins
Joan Armstrong
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Audrey,
I am so sorry to hear about Don. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Koczarski
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My deepest sympathy for Dons family
Sue Koczarski
Rose DeJesus
Bob Gauthier
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Farewell Old Friend
Many many wonderful memories !!
My sincere condolences to Audrey and the family.
Bob Gauthier
The Villages, Florida
john snyer
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Mrs. Singleton, Laurie and Carrie
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
My deepest condolences,
John Snyer
Linda Ricard
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To the family I wish you all my sincerest sympathy at this time! He is in such a better place now. I pray for you all for the strength to get through the coming days. I always believed that they are still with us and somehow they let us know that! Keep strong, love Linda.
Robert Jackson
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Rest in peace my friend. Glade our paths crossed serving Tyngsborough.
Nancy Schiebel/Robin (DeSimone) Gendreau
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Condolences to Audrey,Laurie,Carrie and extended family. Have known this family for a very long time.
Darlene Cashman
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I will truly miss your smile and the laughs we had every time I came to your home. RIP my friend My thoughts and prayers are with your family
Gordon Brainerd
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Don was a great source of knowledge, assistance and friendship when I served with him in the 18th Infantry. My sincere condolences go to his family.
Art Michaud
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The Board of Fire Engineers sends our most sincere condolences to Audrey and the Singleton family.
Don’s addition to the Board of Fire Engineers was most appreciated in that he brought his broad and detailed knowledge of the Fire Department’s operations, people, and ideas. But most of all, Don’s passion and heart!
He untiringly demonstrated a commitment to champion for the Firefighter as well as advancing the Fire Department to meet the citizen and taxpayers’ needs.
The Fire Department is in a better place because of Don and the commitment made by the Singleton family to serve the department. Don’s leadership and contribution to the BOFE will be missed.
Jan (O'Brien) McManus
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Dear Audrey and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Donnie’s passing. He was such a great guy, always smiling and ready to help everyone. He will be missed by so many.
Jan(O’Brien)McManus
Col(USA Ret) Kenneth O. Walkington, Jr.
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My deepest condolences to Audrey and the family and friends of MSG (USA Ret) Donald Singleton. I had the good fortune to serve with him in the 187th Infantry Brigade(Sep). He was a soldier “second to none.” He kept us focused on the mission and taking care of soldiers and their families. I shall pray for him and his family. I am grateful for all his good advice and counsel. He shall be missed by all. Farewell Don, I salute you for a life well lived!
COL (USA Retired) Thomas F. Finn Jr.
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Sincere condolences to the Singleton family! I served with Don in 3-18th Inf at Lawrence and HQs 187th Inf Bde at Ft. Devens. He was a great soldier who always set the example for his peers and subordinates to emulate. He served with pride and distinction in the service of his country. May he always be remembered in the hearts and minds of his fellow soldiers! My prayers and thoughts go out to him and his family!
Ann Taylor
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Audrey, so very sorry for your loss … prayer for you and your family.