SOUTHWEST HARBOR – Donald O. Worcester, 86, died Feb. 5, 2011, just like he lived -peacefully and quietly. He was born March 23, 1924, in Columbia, the son of Helen Wass Worcester and Orman Charles Worcester.
Donald moved to Southwest Harbor at age 7. He graduated from Pemetic High School in 1943 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the European Theatre until the war ended in 1945. Later that year, he married the waitress Mary O’Brien, who “made the best lobster rolls and always put a little extra in mine.” Upon returning to Southwest Harbor, Don held positions with Lawler Paint Co., Fresh Silk and Star Beef Co. This last position took him back to Sawyer’s Market, where he had previously worked for Ralph Sawyer. After several years, these sales calls led to Don and Mary purchasing the store in 1959. With children at home, this was a big adjustment for the family though it led to 45 wonderful years at Sawyer’s Market. During that time, Don served as a Boy Scout leader, Southwest Harbor/Tremont Little League president, Southwest Harbor/Tremont Ambulance volunteer, Southwest Harbor Chamber of Commerce president, Southwest Harbor Planning Board member and Searls Scholarship trustee, and was a 60-year member of Southwest Harbor/Tremont Masonic Lodge.
Donald is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary; a brother, Warren Worcester and his wife, Dorothy, of Southwest Harbor; a sister, Edith Radcliffe of Ellsworth; a daughter, Shirley Dyer of Hampden; a son, Brian Worcester and his wife, Bettye, of Southwest Harbor; a daughter, Carol MacRae and her husband, Thomas, of Pretty Marsh; son, Scott Worcester and his wife, Jennifer, of Southwest Harbor; a granddaughter, Amanda Crafts and her husband, Duncan Bowen, of Mount Desert; a grandson, Garric Worcester and his wife, Kate, of Bar Harbor; a granddaughter, Sethany Crafts of Hampden; a granddaughter, Hannah Worcester of Southwest Harbor; a great-grandson, Sawyer Worcester of Bar Harbor; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Marion Ruth and her husband, Larry; and a son-in-law, Robert Dyer.
A private family graveside service will be held in the spring at Mount Height Cemetery, Southwest Harbor. For those who wish, gifts may be made in Don’s memory to Searls Scholarship Fund, care of First National Bank, Trust Department, P.O. Box 258, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 or Southwest Harbor/Tremont Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 437, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679. Condolences and stories may be shared with the family at
www.jordanfernald.com.