Donald S. Pottle

Donald S. Pottle, age 87, a longtime resident of Dunstable, passed away at his home on January 8, 2025, with his beloved wife Holly by his side.

Donald was born in Carbonear, Newfoundland, on August 23, 1937, a son of the late Donald and Margaret “Allison” (Noel) Pottle. Donald’s family immigrated to Massachusetts in his youth, and he grew up in Dorchester. He received his early education from Boston English High School and then attended Northeastern University where he earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering.

Donald commissioned into the United States Army as an officer in 1960. He served as a ROTC instructor at Northeastern University for two years and spent the remainder of his time in the Army on reserve until he was discharged in 1968.

A registered professional engineer, Donald had a passion for education. During his over 35-year career at UMass Lowell he taught Wastewater Engineering and served as head of the Industrial Technology Department. Donald loved to share his expertise and volunteered to consult on projects close to home and as far away as Honduras. Donald retired from UMass Lowell in 2002 but continued to consult on many commercial and municipal projects.

Donald was very active and an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed playing squash and tennis, skiing, canoeing, and hiking. Enjoying live music and dancing were among his favorite activities.

It is often said that Donald “never met a stranger”. He went to great lengths and often great distances to bring his compassion, contagious smile, and humor to his family, his friends, and his community. He truly was a friend to all, including the neighborhood children who lovingly referred to him as “Grampy Don”.

Surviving him in addition to his best friend and wife of 35 years, Holly, are three sons and three daughters-in-law, Douglas Pottle and his wife Christine Randlett, David Pottle and his wife Amy Yacus and Glenn Gray and his wife Denise; a daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Richard Haselton; five grandchildren, Jackie Pottle, Nicholas Pottle, Sarah Pottle, Robby Haselton and Victoria Haselton; a dear friend, Storie Walsh, and her husband Steve Walsh and family; two brothers and two sisters-in-law, Bruce and Marian Pottle and Ralph and Rita Pottle; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and celebrate Donald’s life on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at TYNGSBOROUGH FUNERAL HOME, 4 Cassaway Dr., Tyngsborough.  A graveside service with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. in Dunstable Central Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a memorial donation in Donald’s memory to the UMass Lowell Student Scholarships fund at https://www.uml.edu/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald S. Pottle, please visit our floral store.