Methuen, MA – Donald J. DeSantis, former Methuen Police Chief and Town Manager, died suddenly June 4, 2007 at Caritas Holy Family Hospital.
Born in Lawrence December 15, 1932, Chief DeSantis was a 1950 graduate of Lawrence High School, and the University of Lowell studying Criminal Justice. In 1957 he began an illustrious career with the Methuen Police Dept. as a reserve officer. He became Police Chief in 1985 until his retirement in 1995 and between those years served as Methuen’s Town Manager prior to the city’s present mayor form of government.
Chief DeSantis was a communicant of Mary Queen of Peace Church in Salem, NH.
During the Korean War he served his country in the United States Navy prior to his honorable discharge.
He was instrumental in Methuen’s Community Policing Program. He was a life member of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Inc., and belonged to the Methuen Police and Firefighters Retirement Association.
In 1994 Chief DeSantis was presented the Methuen Exchange Club’s “Man of the Year” award for outstanding service to community.
He also belonged to the Holy Family Men’s Guild.
Survivors include his wife; Cynthia (Tucci) DeSantis.
Children, Debra & husband Frank McKernan of Methuen, Maureen & husband William Ouellette of Andover, Donald J. Jr. & his wife Giovanna DeSantis of Methuen, and Christopher & wife Judy DeSantis of Bridgewater, MA, one brother Philip & his wife Arlene DeSantis of Virginia, sister-in-law Gayle DeSantis of Methuen, 10 grandchildren Frank, Brigid, Laura & husband Blake, Julie, Jeffrey, Janna, Jonathan, Julianna, Allison, and Christopher as well as several nieces and nephews.
Chief DeSantis was predeceased by his brother Leonard DeSantis.
A funeral mass will take place on Friday morning at 11 o’clock in Mary Queen of Peace Church with burial to follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen.
Friends may call on Thursday from 3-8 P.M. at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc. 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen.
Memorial contributions may be made to Caritas Holy Family Hospital 70 East Street Methuen, MA 01844.