Donald H. LaRiviere

Donald H. LaRiviere, age 92, a longtime resident of Tyngsborough, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022.  He was the beloved husband of Patricia A. (LeBlanc) LaRiviere, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage.

Born in Lowell on September 29, 1930, he was a son of the late Henry and Agnes (Dempsey) LaRiviere. He was educated in the Lowell School system and had attended Lowell Technical Institute and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Donald was a Korean War veteran having served in the U.S. Army.  He had fought on the front lines in North Korea and was the recipient of several commendations and medals.  Most recently, receiving a Citation from the State of Massachusetts, in recognition of his service and extraordinary dedication to freedom.

He was employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a civil engineer for over 35 years and was a member of the Engineer and Scientist Union.  During his 30 year retirement, he enjoyed working part time at Sherburne Lumber in Tyngsborough.

Donald’s favorite pastime was spending time at their family cabin at Lake Winnipesauke, where he would be gone fishing for hours at a time.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, trips to Clearwater, Florida and Disney. 

He was a man of few words, but was quick to praise others and believed a handshake was worth more than a signed contract.

Donald was a life member of the Tyngsboro Sportmen’s Club and the American Legion Post 247 in Tyngsborough.

Surviving him in addition to his loving wife Patricia are two sons and two daughters-in-law, Daniel and Erika LaRiviere of Hudson, NH and David and Lisa LaRiviere of Dunstable; four grandchildren, Brian Iwanicki and his wife Ashley, David LaRiviere Jr. and his fiancé Kayla Breden, Derek LaRiviere and Genevieve LaRiviere; a son-in-law, Joseph Iwanicki of Litchfield; a brother-in-law, Timothy McDonald of Dover, NH; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Leo and Donna LeBlanc of FL; and many nieces and nephews. He was also the father of the late Baby Thomas and Linda Iwanicki; brother of the late Richard LaRiviere and Geraldine McDonald and brother-in-law of the late Carol LaFreniere.

The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to the entire staff on C-Wing at Northwood Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, for the exceptional care provided to Donald.

Relatives and friends will be received at the TYNGSBOROUGH FUNERAL HOME 4 Cassaway Dr., Tyngsborough, on Tuesday, Jan. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Funeral Home service to take place at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in his memory to the American Legion Post 246, 90 Pawtucket Blvd., Tyngsborough, MA 01879.  

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