OBITUARY: Donald R. "Donnie" Foley, 85, of Woburn

WOBURN, MA — Donald R. “Donnie” Foley passed away at his home, Tuesday, October 4th, comfortably surrounded by his beloved family. The husband of Mary Kathleen (Kerrigan) Foley, Donnie was eighty-five years of age.

Born in Woburn, he was one of two sons born to the late Martin and Grace (McEleney) Foley. Raised and educated in Woburn, Donnie was a graduate of Woburn High School along with the Class of 1949. Upon graduation he began working with his uncle in the family business of plumbing, which was a vocation he carried with him throughout his lifetime. In 1952, he entered the Navy where he served as a “Seabee” during the Korean War. Upon his return home Donnie secured a position with the Woburn Fire Department, to which he dedicated thirty four years of service to. Donnie shared a fine reputation over the years amongst both his colleagues and community. Having worked two jobs all his life, Donnie’s master plumbing abilities played a significant role in the Fire Department, as he retired as the Oil Burner Inspector.

In 1958 he married his sweetheart Kathy Kerrigan, to whom he has been devoted to for over fifty-eight years. They brought three children into the world, whom he adored. For over forty-seven years the Foley family have been spending their summers in Ogunquit, Maine. An area called “Littlefield’s” was the gathering place for many families over generations. There the summer activities were plentiful and many, many wonderful family memories were made and cherished right up to this past summer. “Papa” loved his triplet grandsons! It was always three times the fun, all at the same time, throughout the years! He was so very proud of each individually and all of their achievements academically and athletically over the years.

He and Kathy had travelled extensively throughout the years. The so enjoyed all the different countries in Europe, also visiting Switzerland and Austria also managing to visit quite a few of the Caribbean Islands over the years.

Donnie was a very faith filled gentleman over the years he has been a member of the Knights of Columbus where he had the distinction of serving as the youngest 4th Degree Faithful Navigator for the State in 1958. He has remained dedicated to St Charles Church and all of its activities, supporting in any way possible. Donnie was very strong willed, patient, fair and loyal to the end kind of gentleman throughout his lifetime. He earned the respect of colleagues and friends throughout the years and shared a tremendous amount of love with family and friends. He lived well, right up to the end.

Sadly Donnie was predeceased by his parents, brother Edmund and daughter Ann's fiancé, James Kilmartin.
He is the loving husband of Mary Kathleen (Kerrigan) Foley, devoted father of Donald R. Foley, Jr of Woburn, Janet L. Miller, her husband Edward of FL, and Anne P. Foley, of Woburn. Devoted "Papa" of triplet boys Brian, Devin and Jack Miller. Dear brother of the late Edmund F. Foley.

A funeral will be held from the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn on Friday, October 7th at 9:30 a.m.; followed by a funeral mass in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn at 10:30 a.m.. Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours, Thursday 4-8 p.m.

At the families request in lieu of flowers please honor Don’s memory by making a donation to St. Charles Elementary School, 8 Summer Street, Woburn, MA 01801.

Obituary and photo courtesy of the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home.