Mr. Donald E. Small, of Woburn formerly of Stoneham passed away on April 2nd, at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following a short illness. He was 64. Donald was the beloved husband of Lucille A. Nasta Small. Born in Chatham he was the son of the late E. Carlton and Phyllis (Burbank) Small.
Raised and educated in Chatham, Donald attended Newman Prep following his high school graduation. He then enlisted into the U.S. Air Force where he honorably served as a sergeant and completed two tours of duty during the Vietnam War. He was awarded numerous decorations and medals including the Purple Heart. When Donald returned home from the service he attended the Wentworth Institute of Technology where he studied Aeronautics. He later graduated from East Coast Aerotech and began his career in aviation safety. He was currently employed at the Boston office of the Federal Aviation Administration in Lexington where he was the Principal Maintenance Inspector and Aviation Safety Inspector. In 1993 he was awarded the employee of the year for the New England District by the Federal Aviation Administration and throughout his career he has been awarded many commendations for his contributions to aviation safety. One most notably by the Department of Transportation, in 1994, Donald was called to Washington to be presented with the Secretary's Award for Valor for ensuring the rescue of two individuals from a sinking salvage vessel.
In his leisure time, Donald enjoyed the outdoors, boating and traveling. He was a proud member of the NRA and was also a member of the NRA Legion of Honor for his dedication to the National Riffle Association. His greatest joy was his family and he cherished his time with them. He will be greatly missed by his family and many dear friends and coworkers.
In addition to his beloved wife Lucille, he is survived by his children, Jason Small and his girlfriend Eliza Travisano of Brewster, and Melanie Small and her fiancé Lee Bowman of Brewster. He was the step father of Anthony DiGregorio of Woburn. Loving grandfather of Falyn Bowman. Cherished brother of Nancy Cantella of Chatham and David Small of New Hampshire.
Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Saturday, at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Anthony Church, 851 Main St., Woburn, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home will be held on Friday from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Calvary Cemetery, Woburn. As an expression of sympathy contributions may be made in Donald's memory to the charity of one's choice.