Donald Corriveau

With great sorrow we say goodbye to Donald Corriveau, a man who touched countless lives with his love, laughter and endless creativity. On Feb. 4, 2025, at age 80, his journey came to an end as he passed on to the next world, surrounded by the family he cherished.

Don had many titles in his life — devoted husband, proud father, adoring grandfather, honorable veteran, dependable brother and loyal friend. To those who knew him, he was a deep pool of warmth and generosity. To those who didn’t know him, he could be guarded, but the ice quickly melted with a well-timed joke or a new opportunity to offer help.

He was born in Holyoke in 1944, and his early years would sew in him a commitment to serving others — a belief system that would greatly form him as a person. In 1964, he answered his country’s call and entered the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Vietnam War. This service helped instill a deep sense of duty and integrity throughout his life. And it would also bring the post-war challenges he carried to his final breath.

After his military tour, he brought his compassion for service to the field of elder care. As an administrator of nursing homes, Don touched countless people’s lives through his quiet and empathetic leadership. He ensured his clients and their families were able to live each day with the dignity, care, and comfort they deserved.

In the Second Act of his career, Don fulfilled a lifelong passion for photography by founding his own creative photography studio. He became well known for his portraiture and stylized photo skills, and would go on to win many awards for his work. But he made a real name for himself as a dynamic and highly sought-after wedding photographer. He had a unique gift for capturing love in its purest form and preserving it in moments of time that leapt off the page.

As a nursing home administrator, Don helped those living through the last stage of their life. As a wedding photographer, he gave hope to those just starting their life’s journey. While not lost on Don, we now see that his commitment to service had truly come full circle.

Outside of his career, Don found his greatest joy in his family. He leaves behind the true love of his life, his wife, Bozena Corriveau. He also leaves three wonderful children: son Jeff Corriveau and wife Karen, daughter Michelle Gilson and husband Gregory of Hopkinton, and daughter Nicole Corriveau. He also welcomed a stepdaughter into his life, Paulina Palmer and husband Jim. His gift of love is completed through his five beautiful grandchildren, who adored him: Amelie, Teagan, Leo, Carter and Madeleine; as well as two step-grandchildren, Rene and Tyler. He also is survived by his younger brother, Wayne Corriveau, who remained his lifelong friend and confidant.

Don left us with a full embrace of loving memories and remarkable achievements. But his true legacy lives on in the people he touched. His kindness and generosity left an indelible mark on others. And he blessed all those he loved with a life of unwavering devotion and unconditional acceptance, which will be felt for generations.

A private celebration of Don’s life was held on Feb. 7, when friends and family gathered to share their favorite memories of him. He will be interred at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, with full military honors at a later date.

Though Don is no longer with us, his love remains in all of our hearts. We will miss him dearly, but we will honor his memory by living with the same kindness and service to others that he selflessly shared with the world.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society in Spanish Springs, Florida. Sentiments are encouraged at baldwincremation.com.

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