Donald E. Stuart, 84 of Fitchburg, a longtime Gardner resident, former President of Temple Stuart in Baldwinville and a longtime civic leader, died peacefully Sunday, March 21, 2010 at home.
Donald, son of the late John H. and Ruth K. (Zander) Stuart, was born in Fitchburg on August 2, 1925 and lived in Gardner until moving to Fitchburg six years ago. Donald attended Gardner High School for two years and went on to graduate from the Staunton Military Academy in 1942. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp, serving our country during World War II. Following his discharge, Donald attended the University of Michigan where he was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity.
Donald was an owner and director of the Temple Stuart Co., a respected manufacturer of Colonial and Early American designs in Baldwinville for over forty years, retiring as President in 1990. During that time, Donald was active in numerous organizations including the National Association of Furniture Manufacturers, Shriners, The Hope Lodge of Masons in Gardner and the Gardner American Legion. Donald was the oldest surviving member of the Oak Hill Country Club, having been a member since joining with his father many years ago. He was a member and Past President of the Greenwood Memorial Swim Club, Director of the Worcester County National Bank, Director of Shawmut Bank, Director of Henry Heywood Memorial Hospital, and a member of the Republican National Committee. Donald was Chairman of Troop 5 of the Boy Scouts of America and during his youth, had been a member of the swim teams of the University of Michgan, Gardner High School and Staunton Military Academy, where he served as Captain during his senior year. While in Gardner, Donald had been a longtime, active and supporting member of the First Congregational Church in Gardner.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years; Elissa "Dolly" E. (Hill) Stuart, three sons; Bryan D. Stuart and his wife Deborah of The Woodlands, Texas, John P. Stuart of Humble, Texas and Alan E. Stuart and his wife Michelle of Sussex, NJ, two stepsons; Shawn A. Dooley and his wife Hakson of Germany and Scott D. Dooley of Ashby, his sister; Joan E. Damon-Hillman and her husband Charles "Buzz" of Lunenburg, eight grandchildren; Alexander Stuart, Ian Stuart and Ansley Stuart, all of New Jersey, Bryanna Stuart, Nicholas Stuart, Jennifer Berka and Eugene Oller all of Texas, T.J. Berka of California and many nephews and nieces.
Those who wish to make a memorial contribution in his memory are asked to consider either the Greenwood Memorial Pool Gift Account, 69 Park St., Gardner, MA 01440 or to Health Alliance Hospice, 250 Nichols Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420.
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Temple Stuart Ad 1967 FURNITURE WORLD |
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Temple Stuart Ad 1970 FURNITURE WORLD |