Donald H. DeCesare age 85 of Atkinson, NH, died Wednesday at his home after a long illness.
He was born in Lawrence, MA on November 14, 1924, the son of Dr. Nicandro and Ada (Moulton) DeCesare. He grew up and was educated in Methuen, MA, graduated from St. John’s Prep. in Danvers, MA and later graduated from Tufts University in Boston, MA, and Massachusetts School of Pharmacy. Don proudly served in the US Army during WWII in the 97th Infantry which helped liberate Czechoslovakia and he received the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Mr. DeCesare was a retired pharmacist who founded Salem Center Pharmacy in 1961 Salem, NH and operated it for several years. He historically became the first pharmacist in the area to stop selling cigarettes due to their known health risk. In his younger years Don was an active supporter of the Boy Scouts Pack 160, SHS Booster Club, and the NH Republican Party. He also served as a NH State Rep. in the late 70s.
After retirement, Don was very active volunteering at the Atkinson Congregational Church and the Atkinson Academy for which he was recognized by the governor.
Don was always a true gentleman. He was full of integrity and had great work ethics. He was very proud of his family and was always sharing his great wit and wry sense of humor.
He was predeceased by his first wife Dorothy H. (Heaney) DeCesare, his son Stephen DeCesare, and stepson David Olson.
He is survived by his wife: Anne L. (Hilton) DeCesare of Atkinson, NH
1 Daughter: Beth & her husband James Randazzo of Salem, NH
3 Sons: Peter & his wife Connie DeCesare of Columbia, MD Kenneth & his wife Karen DeCesare of Deltona, F Michael & his wife Elaine DeCesare of San Antonio, TX and former daughter in law Gloria DeCesare.
Stepchildren: Richard & his wife Marieke Olson of Belgium, Steven & his wife Mary Olson of Oak Forest, IL, Cynthia Olson of Garland, TX
Brother: Francis & his wife Judy DeCesare of Salem, NH Sister: Beverly & her husband James Nassar of Haverhill, MA
13 Grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren, Several Nieces & Nephews
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 19 at 12:00 PM at Atkinson Congregational Church, 101 Main St., Atkinson, NH. Calling hours will be Friday, June 18th from 5-8 PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH. Burial will be private in Pine Grove Cemetery, Salem, NH
Memorial donations may be made to the: Parkinson’s Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 or to Silverthorne Adult Day Care, 23 Geremonty Dr, Salem, NH 03079. To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com