After years of illness, Donald Le Shane, 74, passed away on Aug. 2, 2023.
Donald, who was born on Feb. 5, 1949, was the son of Frank Le Shane, Jr., a World War II veteran who passed away in 1994, and Loretta Le Shane, who passed away in 1998. He was the brother of David Le Shane who died in 2000.
Donald was raised in Waltham and his closest companion was the late U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran Jeff Sharpe.
As an adolescent, Donald adored automobiles, particularly his first 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. He also briefly owned a Corvette, but his father advised him to sell it or he would be “coiled around a tree.” Donald had a beagle named Rebel who sat shotgun in his first 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air.
The year 1973 marked Donald’s graduation from Northeastern University and in September of that year, he wedded Melinda Fallisi.
He worked in the financial industry, beginning in 1973 until 2016. Early in his career, he was a loan officer for the band Aerosmith in the 1970s when they were a relatively unknown rock group.
In 1976, Donald and Melinda purchased a home in Bedford. In December 1981 and 1983, they welcomed their sons, Douglas and Mark, respectively.
Donald worked his way up to Vice President for multiple institutions in the Merrimack Valley in Massachusetts including Harvard Federal Credit Union, Arlington Trust Company, Shawmut, US Trust, FDIC from 1990 until 1993, First Essex Bank/Sovereign Bank from 1993 until 2010, Lowell Bank from 2010 until 2011, Mass Development from 2011 until 2012, and Brookline Bancorp from 2012 until 2016.
Donald was a Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Squire, the Treasurer of the Wal- Lex Newton Highland Bowling League on Wednesday evenings. Donald was a member of the board of directors for the Community Church of Watertown, which his ancestor Frank Le Shane, Sr. helped found in 1912. Donald also served as Bedford Babe Ruth Baseball’s treasurer for 25 years, in addition to coaching and keeping score for multiple teams.
Donald loved baseball, football, basketball and hockey. Donald’s favorite teams were the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins. He loved going to Bedford Varsity Football games in the fall on Friday Nights under the lights and especially at the classic Thanksgiving games against Concord–Carlisle in normally freezing temperatures. His sons Douglas and Mark were in the program from 1996 until 2002.
Donald was a devotee of Pro Wrestling, primarily WWF/WWE, but was only a casual fan. Donald attended numerous WWF events from 1995 to 2007, including all WWF events in New England during the Attitude Era (1998-2002), as well as WrestleMania 14 at the Fleetcenter in Boston with his sons. He favored Demolition, The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Ric Flair.
Donald supported his son Douglas when he enlisted into the United States Marine Corp and always had big parties between 2004 and 2008 when Douglas was on leave.
As a stamp collector, Donald enjoyed attending stamp events and would plan his excursions around them. Donald adored automobiles, and in 2014 and 2017, he purchased a Corvette and a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe, respectively. He enjoyed driving these vehicles and attending cruise nights, particularly the 99 Restaurant shows in Billerica and the Dunkin’ Donuts shows on Monday evenings.
Donald adored his granddaughters, Cadence, born in 2007, and Brylie, born in 2010. He is survived by several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and relations. He was the godfather of Annette Leger and Julie Le Shane. Donald had two daughters-in-law, both of whom were married to Douglas Le Shane: Colleen (2006 until 2016) and current wife Heather. He cherished family gatherings.
There will be a public memorial ceremony gathering from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, at The American Legion Post 221, 357 The Great Rd., Bedford, MA 01730.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to Vettes to Vets, c/o Karen Blandini, 47 Renwick Rd., Wakefield, MA 01880. Please make checks payable to Vettes to Vets and note ‘GPF9001’ in the memo section of the check.
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