Born in Athol, MA on May 26, 1931, he was the seventh child of Louis and Gertrude (Ward) Marble.
A graduate of Athol High School, he earned his degree in pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston in 1954. Married that same year to Shirley Cone, also of Athol, he served in the US Army for three years, being stationed for a time in Germany. After leaving the Army he continued to serve in the reserve and formally began his career as a pharmacist. The young couple moved to Manchester, NH, and Donald worked for a pharmaceutical wholesale company where he had the opportunity to work in pharmacies across the state filling in for owners on vacation. It was through this experience that he met Wilfred (Twink) Osgood in Farmington, NH, and in 1965 he joined Mr. Osgood as a partner in Osgood’s Pharmacy and ultimately became its sole proprietor. Donald served the town of Farmington for fifty-three years as a respected member of the business community, as a deacon and a warden at the First Congregational Church, as a member of the local Kiwanis chapter, and in supporting various causes through the pharmacy. For twenty-five years he managed the Interfaith Food Pantry overseeing food pickups, distribution days, and the keeping of financial records for the organization.
An avid skier, he took advantage of the ski areas in NH, primarily Gunstock, and in the summers, he took his family to cottages at Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham, NH, and Wells Beach, ME. The family found time to visit the numerous attractions and historical sites of New England, and enjoyed travelling to see family members in Maine, Massachusetts, and Ohio. As their children grew, he and Shirley visited them as they moved across the country. Always known for his quick smile, helping hands, patient demeanor, and generosity, Donald moved to Bedford Falls Care Facility in 2018.
His ability to interact with anyone was a gift that graced the lives of many for his empathy had no bounds. Though he did not suffer fools, he always sought to understand them, and he looked for the good in everyone. He was a servant leader long before the term was poplar for his goal in life was to care for his family and his fellow man. His word was as good as gold, and he could find humor in almost every situation –some of which he instigated! That twinkle in his eye now lights a star in heaven.
He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents Louis and Gertrude, and his siblings: Kingsley, Henry (Ward), Kathryn, Jane, Robert, and Richard. He is survived by his children Lyndon and Janice Marble of Manchester, NH; Dwight and Sharon Marble of Rochester, NY; Scott and Holly Marble of Colorado Springs, CO; Laura and Keith Lambert of Portland, OR; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nine nieces and nephews, more than twenty grand nieces and nephews, and numerous great grand nieces and nephews.
Calling Hours will be Thursday, December 7, 2023, 5:00pm-7:00pm at Peaslee Funeral Home in Farmington, NH. A funeral service will be held Friday, December 8, 2023, 1:00pm at First Congregational Church of Farmington. A graveside service will take place Saturday, December 9, 2023, 11:00am at Jones Cemetery in Orange, MA.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the First Congregational Church of Farmington in Donald’s honor.
This is a digital file and does not reside in the physical museum collection.
FHS- Kyle Leach