AUBURN – Donald E. Anderson passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 10th at home. Born in Worcester, he was the son of Pontus & Florence (Shepard) Anderson and grew up on the family farm in Shrewsbury, attended Worcester Junior College, earning an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and attended Clark University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
Don worked for Jamesbury Corporation in Worcester, retiring after 33 years as a Quality Engineer, was a certified ISO Quality Inspector and a member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ). In the years after his retirement, Don consulted with the United States Department of Commerce/National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), performing quality systems audits across the country and around the world, in Japan, Korea & Brazil. During this time he also worked with United States Department of Defense, performing quality systems audits for the testing of body armor. Later in these years he worked locally, performing quality inspections for multiple clients, culminating in a large multi-year project for an Exxon-Mobil oil platform. In 2014 at the age of 81 Don retired for good to be with the love of his life, Emilie.
Don is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Emilie (Crandell) Anderson, along with two sons, Donald and wife Katie Anderson of Westmore, VT and Douglas Anderson of Auburn. He is also survived by his grandchildren Douglas Anderson of Gilbertville and Emily Anderson of Auburn, two brothers, Roger and wife Shirley Anderson of Holiday, FL and David and wife Karin Anderson of Berkeley Springs, WV, as well as an extended family of nieces and cousins.
Don was an avid sportsman, enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, traveling with his family and anything that involved his grandchildren who knew him as ‘Poppie’. He spoke fondly of his youth, the days growing up working on the family farm, hanging out with the ‘lake rats’ on Lake Quinsigamond and rowing with his crew teammates. Don was also a man of faith, a member of the Worcester Christadelphian Ecclesia and was recognized by all who knew him to be a kind, patient, wise and loving man.
A simple graveside memorial service for Don will be held on Saturday, June 16th at 11:00 AM at the New Swedish Cemetery/All Faiths Cemetery at 9 Island Road in Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Auburn Youth and Family Services, www.ayfs.org. To leave an online condolence message, please click link.