Donald Lavender Obituary

BEVERLY – Mr. Donald Leslie Lavender 84, of Windham, New Hampshire, formerly of Beverly and Salem, died peacefully, March 4th, 2025.
Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Raymond G. and Eileen A. (Rooney) Lavender. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Essex Agricultural School, class of 1959. He continued his educational at Salem State College earning his degree in Business Administration.
An honorably discharged veteran, Donald served his country as a member of the United States Navy.
Mr. Lavender followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and father in running the family printing business, Lavender Printing Company of Salem. He lead the company successfully for over 35 years, providing much of the printed products for Parker Brothers and GTE Sylvania. In retirement he earned his Real Estate License but found his true calling in 2001 by joining the team at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations in Salem and Danvers as a licensed Funeral Apprentice. He transitioned to a licensed funeral assistant and was truly an integral part of the team at O'Donnell's. As senior man, he trained many of the other funeral assistants and was always willing to lend a helping hand in any and all occasions. He took great pride in keeping the highest standard for the families he was serving.
Active civically and socially, Don was a long-time member of the Salem Rotary Club. As former President of the club (1989-1990) he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow, for his service above self. He made many lifelong friends through Salem Rotary. He was also a dedicated member of the Board of Directors at Salem Hospital for many years. An avid golfer, he was a member of Salem Country Club for many years and enjoyed spending his summers in West Dennis. He was a season ticket holder of the Boston Celtics during the 80's and enjoyed many trips to the Islands. As he aged, he harkened back to the interests of his youth, the outdoors and lawn maintenance. He was happiest on his tractor, smoking a cigar and took great pride in his gardening knowledge and abilities. He was an active member of the Second Congregational Church in Beverly and a former Deacon.
Don was easy going, quick to laugh and smile and an all-around good guy. He will be deeply missed by his beloved family, his co-workers at O'Donnell's and all his friends from Stephy's.
Don is survived by his daughter, Dawna Lavender Gauthier and her husband, J.R. of Windham, NH, his twin sons, Bruce Lavender of Haverhill and his companion Colleen and Brian Lavender and his wife Tracey of Plaistow, NH, his 5 grandchildren, Jennifer Lewis, Mark Lavender, Eric Muise, Ashley Lavender and Emily Lavender, and one great granddaughter, Carley Lewis, his brother, Raymond Lavender of Peabody and several nieces and nephews. He was the grandfather of the late Jacob Lavender and brother of the late Gary Lavender.
ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Don's funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte 62) DANVERS, Tuesday, March 11th at 1 P.M. Visiting hours prior to the service from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Don's memory to Salem VFW #1524, Witch City Post, 95 Derby St., Salem, MA 01970. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com
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