Donald Lee Waldo
Jul 9th, 2018
Donald Lee Waldo passed away peacefully at his home on July 9 surrounded by his family members and their love.
Don was born in 1944 and grew up in Long Beach, California with his parents, brother and two sisters. While serving in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, he was stationed at Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where he met Elizabeth Crawford, an air force nurse. Don and Betty Ann married in June of 1968, finished their military obligations, and moved to California where Don attended Long Beach State University. Dennis on Cape Cod became their permanent home in 1972, and Don continued his graduate work at Northeastern University in Boston.
Don became a teacher at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School where he humbly shared his enthusiasm for and knowledge of science. He loved teaching and influenced many young lives over his twenty-six years in education. His passion for science and his deep caring for the environment led him to volunteer for the Dennis Conservation Commission where he proudly and effectively served as chairman for over thirty years.
Don was a jack-of-all-trades, someone who could fix or build anything. He had a second career refurbishing houses where he used his talents that combined his excellent and creative mind with skillful hands. He left his mark on many homes, including his own of forty years.
Don’s life revolved around his family and community. He served as a youth sports coach and became his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan. He was always lending support and cheering them on. Those who knew Don, and especially his family, learned from the way he lived his life. He was a man who knew the value of hard work, who was selfless, and who lived a life of integrity. He fought his illness with courage, determination, and humor, and managed to celebrate fifty years of marriage this past June 9.
Don’s parents and brother Randy predeceased him. He leaves his wife Betty, daughter Jennifer (Michael Mahoney), son John (Amanda) and grandchildren Hannah, Matt, Roger, and Olivia as well as his two sisters, Paula and Jaunell, all of whom were blessed to have been loved by this man.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Christ Church Episcopal, 671 Route 28, Harwichport, MA. All are invited to the collation following the service.
Interment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne will take place at a later date.
Should friends desire, contributions in Donald’s name may be sent to: Dennis Conservation Trust, P. O. Box 67, East Dennis, MA 02641, or Cape and Islands Veteran’s Outreach Center (CIVOC), (please indicate “Dennis House”), 247 Stevens St., Hyannis, MA 02601.