Donald W. Knowlton

Donald (Don) W. Knowlton, 86, resident of Milford, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2014 at the Community Hospice House, Merrimack, NH surrounded by his loving family. Don was predeceased by his devoted wife of 61 years, Theresa (Croteau) Knowlton, who died in 2009. He visited and cared for his wife’s grave site every day since her passing. Mr. Knowlton was born in Peterborough, NH on February 18, 1928, the first of three sons of Wilfred and Eva (Taylor) Knowlton. Don was raised and educated in the Jaffrey School System. He leaves behind one brother, Vernon Knowlton and his wife Jean of Henniker, NH. He was predeceased by his youngest brother Phillip of Florida. He is survived by his children, two daughters, Linda J. McDonald and her husband, William of Medford, MA, and Kathy L. Knowlton and her partner Leo Jarzembowski of Milford; four sons, David G. Knowlton and his partner Lin Levesque of Greenfield, NH, Gerald P. Knowlton and his fiancé Patricia Blackmore of Peacham, VT, Mark A. Knowlton and his wife, Ronda of Danville, VT, and Brian K. Knowlton and his partner Donna Veilleux Demers of Hopkinton, NH; 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Donald was a Building Contractor for all of his life and owned and operated Donald W. Knowlton & Sons, specializing in custom built homes and renovations. He was a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and a Veteran of World War II. Don made his home in Milford for more than 53 years. He enjoyed listening to music and was an avid reader of historical events. He loved gardening, dancing and playing softball on a local Milford team years ago. He was passionate about traveling and sailing the seas on Windjammer Cruises. In addition, he was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers. Go Packers! Don was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church, Milford and was an active member of Milford Council #3035, Knights of Columbus in his younger years. He organized many activities including dinner dances throughout the years as a Knight. Calling hours are on Tuesday, September 16th from 5:00-8:00pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00am, in St. Patrick’s Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford. Burial with military honors will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Milford. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that donations be made in his name to Home Health & Hospice Care, 7 Executive Park Drive Merrimack, NH 03054