Gile, Donald B. of Natick, August 30, 2021. Don was born in Sanford, Maine on September 24, 1924, the youngest of 4 boys, to Clarence & Gertrude Gile. Growing up in York Village, he graduated from York High School (with his 36 classmates) in 1942. He was President of his class. Don went onto Dartmouth College that Fall but was drafted into the US Army before his sophomore year. After serving in France and Germany as a medic, he was discharged in 1946. On discharge that April, he returned to York and employment at a service station, near The Marshall House resort, where the lovely Helen Condon was employed as Summer help. They started dating, and when he returned to Dartmouth in September of 1946, they continued to see each other for Winter Carnivals in Hanover, NH, & other Dartmouth festivities. He married the love of his life in 1948, he 22 and she, 19.
In 1951, the young couple moved to Natick, MA (Helen’s home town) with their first child, Scott, and Don’s new job as a bank teller at the Natick Trust Company. Working with his father-in-law, David Condon, he honed his carpentry skills; finishing the upstairs bedrooms of their new home and adding a garage.
Two daughters, Beth and Cindy (Carolyn) followed. Having given years of steady and intelligent service, Don rose through the ranks of the Natick Trust to become President of the Bank. His work was always focused on the quality of people, both customers and employees.
In 1984, the Natick Trust was sold to the US Trust, which resulted in Don’s retirement from banking.
His wood-working hobby led to his post-retirement employment with a local contractor, building and renovating kitchens and bathrooms for several happy years. He always loved working with his hands, and his later years created several incredibly beautiful ship models.
Don and Helen shared the love for family, and neighborhood bridge parties, which was such a glowing part of growing up in the 1950’s and 60’s. We have many fond memories of those sweet times! Later, Don would focus his kind, patient attention on his grand-children and neighbors kids. We have many fond memories of Don and Helen joining us for sailing vacations in the 1980’s.
We’re grateful Don is finally united with our Mom in peace, after missing her terribly for 11 years.
His passing was peaceful, surrounded by his loving children, just prior to his 97th birthday.
He leaves three children, Scott and his Wife, Mary (of Orrs Island, Maine) their children Patrick, Sean, Siobhan Gile; Beth (of Salisbury, MA) and Cindy of Natick, MA and her children Ben and Nick Snow. He also leaves two great grand kids, Jameson and Charlotte Snow.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. Wellesley on Tuesday, September 7, from 4-7pm followed by a celebration of life at 7pm. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in Maplewood Cemetery, Parsonsfield, ME. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Good Shepherd Hospice, 160 Wells Ave., Newton, MA 02459. Also, we are very grateful to Right At Home for the amazing service, dedication and kindness of their excellent personal assistants to our Dad.