Obituary of Donald L. Reece

Donald L. Reece, a man who gave of himself to his country, community, family, and church passed away at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington on Wednesday morning, February 20, 2013. The beloved husband of Beatrice (Rodgers) of 56 years, he was 84 years old. Don was a first generation American. He was born in Boston, the son of Canadian immigrants; the late Herbert and Adelia Reece. He grew up in Boston, Revere, and Mission Hill. He graduated from Northeasten University where he received degrees in Electronic Engineering and Business Management. His education was interrupted when he enlisted in the Army to serve in the Korean War. He was a member of the 3rd Infantry Division, 15th Regiment, 1st Battalion Headquarters Co. Later he served with the 14th Port Battalion , 8th Army Headquarters Co. He held the rank of Staff Sergeant and was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Medal, United Nations Service medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and American Defense Service Medal. Don was extremely proud of his military service and continued to support the US Armed Forces through his membership in the American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans. He served a District Commander for the DAV and was the Commander for the DAV Post 113. In addition, Don was extremely active in the Burlington Knights of Columbus. He strongly believed in the organization’s steadfast support of the Catholic Church, charitable giving, and community involvement. He was a member of both the 3rd and 4th Degree and served as the Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree. He received the Esprite Decorp Award from the K of C for his work with the Squires (teenage members). Don supported all of the religious ceremonies and events associated with the Veterans organizations and the Knights of Columbus. Don had a diverse career. He worked as an Electronic Engineer at Raytheon, American Science & Engineering and AVCO. He contributed to the design of the Diskey Board on Apollo 13 which enabled the spacecraft to communicate with earth while on the dark side of the moon. For 21 years he worked for the Town of Burlington as the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Public Works. Don was devoted to his family. He had his first and only date with his future wife Bea, prior to enlisting in the Army. Their courtship consisted of letters during his tour of duty. He returned home and married Bea, and they have been in love for the past 56 years. They shared many of the same hobbies and interests and were always seen in public together. He was the proud father of Alan & his fiancée Charlene Taylor of Billerica and Brian & his wife Suzanne of Lowell. Brother of M. Thomas of FL formerly of Lynn and the late Philip. Proud grandfather of Alan Jr. & his wife Christina of Dracut, Crystal of Tewksbury and Adam of Portsmouth, RI. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Sat. Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Don’s name may be made to the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St., Boston, MA 02108. www.nechv.org