Donald Harris

Donald C. Harris passed away peacefully at his Hopkinton home on April 27, 2025. He was 92.

Born Nov. 7, 1932, he was the son of Arthur L. Harris and Helen (Clark) Harris. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Julia Harris.

Donald is survived by his sons, D. Michael Harris and wife Barbara of Upton, and Carl Harris and wife Barbara of Wakefield, New Hampshire, and his daughter, Debra Peaslee and husband Jonathan of North Sandwich, New Hampshire. He also is survived by six grandchildren, Hannah Hayes, Amanda Peaslee, Nichole Perreault and Jennifer, Michael and Kevin Harris, and four great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Colt Hayes, and Leah and Julia Perreault. He was predeceased by granddaughter Heather Siebert, grandson Carl Harris Jr. and sister Muriel Thompson. He is survived by sister Marjorie Butcher.

Donald was a graduate of Reading High School and Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass in 1952. He served four years in the Navy, making four Mediterranean cruises during the Korean War. He was on the USS Lake Champlain aircraft carrier.

Donald worked for many years as a diesel mechanic at Dario Diesel Truck Center in Worcester, retiring in the early 1990s. He later drove a courtesy van for McGowen Eye Care Center in Framingham.

Donald was a man who lived his life by his values and principles. He was a devoted family man who was loyal and dedicated, caring for those he loved with his whole heart. He was a dutiful and loving caretaker to his wife, whom he cherished. He loved sharing stories and making inside jokes and always shared memories about his beloved ’39 Ford “Dreamboat.”

Donald enjoyed riding snowmobiles, spending summers at Popponesset on Cape Cod, going to York Beach, and spending time at the family camp in North Sandwich, New Hampshire. Donald enjoyed traveling with his wife, Julia, and adventured worldwide, including Germany, Austria, Ireland, Bermuda, Hawaii and many national parks.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 7, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, Ashland, with urn burial to follow in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton. One visiting hour will be held Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hopkinton Emergency Fund, P.O. Box 44, Hopkinton, MA 01748 or the Hopkinton Senior Center via the Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors, 28 Mayhew Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

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