Donald J. Parece

Donald J. Parece, born March 09, 1928, died peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday morning, November 30, 2021.  Beloved husband of the late Maureen Bailey Parece.  Loving father of Daniel Parece, Marilyn Parece, Gary Parece, Lesley & Peter Winn, Joanne & Dan Lonergan, Neal & Rosemary Parece.

Born in Medford, son of the late Manuel and Ruth Parece of Somerville, Don grew up in Arlington and Somerville.  He met his forever love, Maureen, in 1945.  At 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served as a Private First Class.

Don and Maureen were married on June 9,1951 at St. Luke’s Church in Belmont.  They were married for more than 68 years, loved dancing together and always had a song to sing. Together, their love for and devotion to one another was always a perfect example of true love and endeared them to all.

Don was known to his family and friends as a person they could count on to help in whatever way he could - fixing cars, boats, homes.  In his younger days, he bowled with his friends once a week after work, led Cub Scouts, fished in the summer with his children, and loved to watch them and his grandchildren and great grandchildren in whatever activities they were involved in.  He took enormous pride and joy in his family.

He was Papa to his grandchildren Kerry Ann, Brian & SPC Casey Shaughnessy, Jonathan & Shannon Winn, David & Neal Lonergan, Lucian, Nathan and Charlie Parece, and to his great grandchildren, Jason Jr. & Devon Santos, Judith Shaughnessy and Phaelen Shaughnessy.   Papa always made them feel special and loved. 

Brother of Evelyn Gibason, Warren Parece and Elizabeth Hardy. Donald was predeceased by his siblings Roy Parece, Ruth Mahoney, Shirley Mason, Manuel Victor Parece, Jr., Lawrence Parece  and Barbara Flannery.  He is also survived by many nieces & nephews who loved their Uncle Don. Donald was a devoted family man, remembered by a very large and loving extended family and countless friends.

He will be forever missed, holding a special place in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Donald’s family on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 5pm to 7pm at the Brown & Hickey Funeral Home, 36 Trapelo Road, Belmont.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Luke Church, 132 Lexington Street, Belmont on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 at 10:00 AM, followed by a burial in Highland Meadow Cemetery, 700 Concord Avenue, Belmont.

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