A loving family man who loved to coach
WAKEFIELD — Donald R. Marsden, 68, of Wakefield, passed away Thursday, March 3 at his residence surrounded by his loving family after a courageous eight year battle with cancer.
Born in Cambridge on May 6, 1953 he was the son of the late Henry and Eleanor (Moran) Marsden.
Don was raised in Wakefield and was a graduate of Wakefield High School, Class of 1972; he then went on to receive an Associate’s Degree in Landscape Design from Northshore Community College. Don was a dedicated employee at UPS. He worked tirelessly and in many capacities over his thirty eight year career, only missing a handful of days. Though his career was with UPS, his passion for landscape was evident in his impeccable yard and those of his three children. In his retirement years, Don enjoyed a part time position as an usher at the TD Garden. He was an avid New England sports fan. His competitive nature fueled his passion as a coach. Don was an active board member for both Wakefield Little League and served as Vice President of Wakefield Basketball Association, staying involved long after his own children went through the youth programs. Some of his fondest memories are his many successes in coaching; he always enjoyed running into his former players and hearing of their successes on and off the field.
Don was the epitome of a family man, a devoted husband and father to his wife and three children. He lived for making his wife smile, often teasing her at her own expense. Everything he did in his life was for his family. His pride and joy were his children. He was so proud of them and their accomplishments and it was evident in the conversations he had with others. Don was a loving father-in-law, he always loved his children’s spouses and treated them as his own. In addition to his family, Don loved his Border Collie “Murphy.” He was an avid gym member and continued his competitive spirit competing in many Spartan Races.
Don was the beloved husband of thirty six years to Kelly (Marchant). He was the loving father of Kyle Marsden and his wife, Amanda, of Merrimack, N.H.; Alyssa Bak and her husband, Kyle, of Douglas and Lauren Fiore and her husband, Michael, of Wakefield. He was the adoring grandfather of Evelyn June Marsden. He was the brother of Henry Marsden and his wife, Josephine, of North Reading; Robert Marsden and his wife, Linda, of Woburn and Cheryel Dunklee and her husband, Gerald, of Epping, N.H. He was the son-in-law of Anne (Murphy) Marchant and her late husband, Edmond. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends.
The family is deeply indebted to Don’s “Team Don Don” at the Dana Farber Cancer Center for their dedication and devotion to his care: Dr. Jacob Laubach, NP Alexandra Distaso, Mary Maloney RN, as well as the dedicated clinical and support teams on Yawkey 7.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated in Incarnation Church, 429 Upham St, Melrose on Wednesday, March 9 at 10 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave, Wakefield on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m.
Don’s family requests that no flowers be donated. Instead, gifts in his memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.
