Donat “Don” R. Desrosiers, 86, of Lawrence died Tuesday at Holy Family Hospital. Born in Lawrence Mr. Desrosiers had been an area resident most of his life. Mr.Desrosiers attended St.Anne Grammer School and Central Catholic High School. He served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. When he returned from the war, Don's dream as a very young man was to become a professional drummer earning such experience through the American Legion and the Pontiac club in Lawrence. Other professional experience came from working with Paul Marchand of Boston Ma. Later called to become a member of the Gordon Dooley orchestra and traveled the country playing in famous clubs and Hotels which got him noticed by band leader Johnny Long, soon after being approached by his agent and asked to join his orchestra. While working with Jonn Long's orchestra on television and radio as well as touring the world he also had the pleasure of working with the Mills brothers, Julius LaRosa, Patti Page, Florian Zabach to name a few. Years after moving back to retire he continued to teach and play music with local band leaders William Fasulo and Stan Bednarz as well as playing shows at the Amesbury Playhouse and teaching the drum line at Massconmic high school and private lessons. His life was filled with love and excitement he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.The widower of Kathleen (Albert) Desrosiers he was survived by three daughters, Mary Alice and her husband Kenneth Doyon of Salem, NH, Marlisa Lippert of Emigsville, PA, and Dana Kay Conners of York, PA. Two sons Daniel Sollenberger and his wife Tanya of Cummings, GA, and Erik Sollenberger and his wife Susan of Patterson, NY. There are several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Friday at 7:00 PM at the Berube - Comeau Funeral Home, 47 Broadway, Haverhill, MA. Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4:00 to 6:45 PM. The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Edgar J. Racicot Inc. Funeral Home 978-683-2706 www.racicotfuneralhome.com