Donald E. Desmarais died Wednesday, June 16, peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. A native of Nashua, NH he attended local schools and graduated from Nashua High School. He has lived in Windham for 14 years, and previously in Salem for 17 years.
He was a well known educator, receiving his BA Degree from the University of New Hampshire, his Masters Degree from the State College at Fitchburg, and his Advanced Graduate Study, Education Administration at Boston University. After graduation, he served in the US Army as a 1st Lieutenant, Armored Division in Schweinfurt, Germany, and was recognized as d Distinguished Military Officer.
He started his career in education as a Science Teacher and Football coach. He then was appointed Principal of Hollis High School, moved on to Milford High School from 1969-1971. In 1971 he was appointed principal of Salem High School and remained there until 1978. He then was offered the principal ship at a private school, Trinity High School, in Manchester, serving there from 1978-89. His last tenure in education was at Nute High School, retiring from there in 1995.
His professional affiliations include the American Association of School Administrators, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, New Hampshire Association of Secondary School Principals, and the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association, serving as its President and Chairman of the Finance Committee in 1977-78, and Chairman of the Football Committee from 1976-88. He chaired the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the accrediting agency for secondary school approval. He was a representative to the New Hampshire Joint Educational Council, represented the New Hampshire Association of School Administrators, comprised of Superintendents, school principals, and school board members.
Also very much involved in community service, he served on the Salem School Board for 9 years, was involved in Dollars for Scholars, Kiwanis International, Merrimack Valley United Fund as School Chairman, Advisor to Youth Services Bureau, Advisor to Salem Boys & Girls Club, and was a member of the Scholarship Committee for the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce.
He had many interests including boating, gardening, traveling, woodworking, reading, collecting antique toys, but his favorite pastime was spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren who adored him and his magic tricks.
He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife and best friend Pat, daughters Cindi & her husband Andy Broady, Jil & her husband Chris Greeley, and son Scot & his wife Cathy. His sisters Dorothy McMurray of Amherst and Patricia Hurd of Nashua, NH. His sister-in-law Claire & her husband Don Perreault of Somersworth, NH and his brother-in-law Bill MacKeil of San Antonio, TX. He leaves six grandchildren whom he adored and were the joy of his life, Tommy and Tyler Desmarais, Havah and Samantha Broady, Maxwel and Kylie Greeley.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10AM at St. Matthew Church in Windham, NH followed by burial in Cemetery on the Plain. Relatives & friends may call on Friday from 4-8PM at the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the memory of Donald E. Desmarais, Dollars for Scholars Memorial, c/o Paul Huard, PO Box 297, Salem, NH 03079.