Obituary of Donald Foley

Donald C. Foley, Jr. a retired contractor and train enthusiasts, passed away after an extended illness on Monday night, June 20, 2016. He was 82 years old. Don was born in Cambridge, the son of Prince Edward Island immigrants, the late Donald and Gladys Foley. He was a lifelong resident of Burlington and graduated from Burlington High School Class of 1952. He furthered his education at Gordon College. He married a local Burlington girl, Jean Nelson, in 1955 and they had 3 daughters. At the age of 26, he built his own home and remained there for 56 years. Don started his own company, Donald Foley, Inc. and he built homes, additions, and did remodeling. He took great pride in his workmanship and did most of the construction himself, from the framing to finish work. He had built numerous homes in Burlington, Woburn, Medford, Lynnfield, and even some in Southern New Hampshire. The new owners of his homes were assured that they were getting sturdy well-made homes. He was always there with a helping hand for his family and friends. He built his daughter Sharon’s home in the backyard of his childhood home in Burlington and did numerous projects at his daughter Colleen’s home as well. From a very young age, Don had an interest and fascination in trains. He was a longtime member of the Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts, Inc. He served as president for over 15 years. The organization was organized over 80 years ago for the education, promotion, and appreciation of America’s Railways system. The organization was filled with members who had a great appreciation for the by gone days of the railroad from the early steam engines to the powerful diesel engines of today. Don loved all the train history and collected all sorts of memorabilia including replicas, magazines, time tables, buttons, and any other material that had a train on it. Don ran bi-monthly meetings, planned day excursions, and train trips. He always had a camera in his hands chronicling the club’s events and capturing memorable moments on the trains and the nostalgia they visited and came across. He was extremely knowledgeable on train and railroad history and more than willing to share his knowledge and experience with anyone who was interested. He took trips all over the United states visiting train stations seeing different locomotives, and seeing the countryside ina way only that can be experienced by rail. For Don, the gentle vibration and clickety-clack of the train simply made him “happy”. For Don’s family, every time they see a train, they will think of the many family train related trips, songs about trains, and Don in all his glory. Don was the loving husband of 61 years of Jean M. (Nelson) Foley. He was the loving father of Sharon Gilbert & her husband Jack of Burlington, Cheryl Foley of Burlington, and Colleen Cotoni & her husband Ronald of Billerica. Brother of the late Laurie Foley. Proud grandfather of Michelle Gilbert of Woburn, Brett Gilbert of Allston, Kristen Cotoni of Everett, and Ronald Cotoni of San Francisco, CA. At Don’s request, the funeral services were private.