WORCESTER__Donald R. Persson, 55, of 142 Tory Fort Lane died Friday June 25 in UMASS Memorial Medical Center, 119 Belmont St. He leaves his wife of 31 years, Joyce M. (Janitis) Persson, two sons, Joshua R. Persson of Worcester and Airman First Class Jeffrey A. Persson stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska; a daughter-in-law, Stephanie Persson; a grandson, Brodie A. Persson; two brothers, Robert Persson and his wife Patricia, of Worcester and John Persson and his wife Louise of Worcester; a sister, Shirley Odorski of Worcester and nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a brother, Carl Persson and a sister, Barbara Persson. He was born in Worcester, son of Herbert and Loretta (Ryan) Persson and lived here all his life.
Mr. Persson was a welder eight years for Kadant Web Systems of Auburn and before that he worked nine years as a vocational welding instructor for Montachusett Technical High School.
He served in the Massachusetts National Guard from 1967 to 1973.
Mr. Persson graduated from Worcester Boy’s Trade High School and attended Fitchburg State College for teacher certification courses.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday June 29 from HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday June 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, 01701 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.