GLOUCESTER: Donald E. Sanborn, 83, formerly of Riverview Road, died Wednesday afternoon, April 11, 2012 in the de Rham Hospice House, Cambridge. He was the husband of the late Dorothy A. (Swift) Sanborn, who died in May of 2001. They had shared fifty years of marriage.
Born in Gloucester on October 6, 1928, he was the son of the late Wiliam E. and Charlotte (Stevens) Sanborn. He was a lifelong resident of Gloucester and had attended Gloucester public schools.
A U.S. Army veteran, he served his country in Korea and was honorably dischaged in January of 1953.
Donald owned and operated Sanborn Painting Company for forty plus years. An accomplished woodworker and amateur artist, he was a juried winner of several awards. Donald loved model trains and built several large replica villages for them.
He is survived by his children, Steven, husband of Barbara (Curcuru) Sanborn, Donna, wife of Vick Grabicki, David, husband of Jennifer (Lewis) Sanborn and Donald Scott, husband of Shawna (Walen) Sanborn; four grandchildren, Chelsea Sanborn, Kristen Grabicki, Tyler and Nicole Sanborn; a sister-in-law, Millie Sanborn and many nieces and nephews.He was also predeceased by two brothers and a sister-in-law, William Sanborn and Joseph and Ann Sanborn.
His funeral service will be held privately in the Wesleyan Cemetery.There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the de Rham Hospice House, 65 Chilton St., Cambridge, MA 02138.