Obituary of Donald E. Coombs

Donald E. Coombs PEABODY—Donald E. Coombs, 85, beloved husband of the late Mary T. (Caulfield) Coombs, died at his home on Sunday September 21, 2014. He was born on September 24, 1928 in Dorchester, the first son of the late Eugene and Olive (Arsenault) Coombs. As a boy, he lived with his family on dairy farms in Lincoln, Westford, and Beverly, before graduating from Beverly High School with the Class of 1946. He enlisted in the United States Navy on June 28, 1946. Don’s service in the Navy was an immense source of joy for him, taking him around the United States and the world, starting with the final days of World War II and continuing throughout the Korean War, and finishing during the Vietnam War. He retired as a Chief Yeoman in June of 1966. Mr. Coombs began his civilian life working as a claims administrator at The Combined Insurance Company of America in Brookline until 1985 when the office closed. At that time, he began an administrative position at the Andover office of the IRS, retiring in 2007. Don was a loving and dedicated husband to his wife Mary for 58 years until her death in May of this year. He was a devoted and proud father and grandfather. Don was an ardent and faithful parishioner at St. John the Baptist Church in Peabody. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Leo Counil 508 of Peabody, and bowled for over 45 years in the Knights of Columbus Bowling League. In the 1980’s he discovered fitness and became an avid runner. He belonged to the North Shore Striders and Over 65 + Runners Club. He participated in weekly road races for decades, including three Boston Marathons and 15 Mt. Washington Road Races. He had a stellar exercise regimen, and enjoyed working out at Bally’s Fitness in Peabody before they closed because he could also partake in swimming. Don also was active on the golf course throughout his life, most recently playing in a Men’s League at Wenham Country Club where on July 10, 2012 he achieved every golfer’s dream: a hole-in-one on the 7th. He also followed the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots closely and thoroughly enjoyed devouring the sports section of the news, even memorizing most of the statistics on the scoreboard each day. Don was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Charles and Marlene Coombs of Beverly, Ellen and Frank Hillery of Medway, and Mary “Beth” and William Sansone of Dorchester; seven grandchildren, Philip Coombs of San Diego, CA, Anita Coombs of Beverly, Kevin Hillery of Arlington, VA, Elizabeth Hillery of Medway, Katherine, James and Colleen Sansone of Dorchester; a brother Earl & his wife Linda Coombs of Sioux Falls, SD; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, James and Margaret Murrin of Dorchester, Nancy Hearn of Severna Park, MD, and Angela Caulfield of Hampton, NH, many cherished nieces, nephews, close friends, and longtime neighbors, especially Bill Eagan of Peabody. He will be greatly missed by all. He was preceded in death by a brother Walter Coombs and sister Mary Conti. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Monday September 29, 2014 at 10 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 AM in St. John the Baptist Church, Peabody. A visitation will be held on Sunday from 3 – 6 P.M. in the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Autism Speaks: Katherine’s Team: 85 Devonshire St. 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 or to The Paralyzed Veterans Racing Team (www.pva.org/racing) or a veteran’s organization of one’s choice.