Worcester – Donald W. Packard, 80, of Auburn passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023 in the UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus with his family by his side after a brief illness.
Don was married for 42 years to the late Irene M. (Robillard) Packard, who passed away in 2007. He is survived by his two sons, Kevin W. Packard of Auburn and Korey A. Packard of Sutton; two daughters, Karen M. Kann and her husband, Jerry of Oxford and Kerry A. Packard and her wife, Sheri Apprille of Auburn; a brother, Richard B. Packard of Rutland; 7 grandchildren, Daniel Guilbault and his fiancé, Alley Anderson, Emily Packard and her fiancé, Nick Jepsen, Madison Kann, Thomas Packard, Samuel Kann, Lauren Packard and Gabrielle Packard; a great granddaughter, Isla Guilbault and a step great grandson, Devin Chartier; his long-time friend, Carol O’Connor and many nieces and step siblings.
Mr. Packard was born in Worcester, son of the late Donald C. Packard and Loretta (Desrosiers) Morey and is also predeceased by a great grandchild, Oliver William Guilbault. He graduated from North High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the former Worcester State Teachers College. He later attained his master’s degree from Worcester State College.
Don worked for the City of Worcester, as an elementary school teacher for 39 years. He taught at many of the city's elementary schools, starting his career at Middlesex Avenue, teaching primarily in grades 2 thru 6 and retiring in 2003. After his retirement he continued to volunteer at the Worcester Public Schools for another 10 years.
Don was an avid bowler starting as a young boy. He bowled in numerous leagues both Ten Pin and Candlepin, most days of the week. He was previously a member of the American Bowling Congress (ABC), and in the numerous leagues he was active in, he held league officer positions. As an accomplished Ten Pin bowler he loved to travel to bowl in national tournaments. In total he participated in 29 national tournaments across the United States. One of his proudest accomplishments, at the age of 62, was bowling his first perfect game of 300.
He was a parishioner of North American Martyrs Church in Auburn where he volunteered as a lector. Don spent many years singing in the Worcester Men of Song, as an active member of Union St. Jean Baptiste Association and an active member of the Worcester State University Alumni Association. Don was also a dedicated contributor to the Auburn Youth and Family Services.
Don loved gardening, baking, crafting, and attending shows at the Hanover Theater but he was truly the happiest when he was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild.
The funeral will be held on Friday, April 21 from the Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral home 12 Hammond S. Worcester with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM in North American Martyrs Church 8 Wyoma Drive. Auburn. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 20 from 4 to 7 PM in the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Don may be made to the Auburn Youth and Family Services 21 Pheasant Court Auburn, MA 01501.
To share a memory of Mr. Packard or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.Royfuneral.com
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Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home
12 Hammond St.
Worcester, MA 01610 508-799-2992
