Donald R. Guerrette

INDUSTRY – Donald R. Guerrette, 81, died on Dec. 4, 2024, following a week in hospice care at Franklin Memorial Hospital. He battled a two-year bone marrow disease with faith, courage and dignity. He was born in Augusta, on Oct. 12, 1943, to Armand and Anita (Gilbert) Guerrette.

He spent part of his youth as a daily paperboy, and sold the Sunday papers outside of church. He played pool at the local barbershop, and cards with elderly neighbors and family. He graduated from Cony High School in 1962. In 1961, on his summer job driving an ice cream truck, he met the love of his life, Patricia Dumont of Augusta, and they married in 1964.

Don joined the Marine Corps at 18 and, following boot camp, he transferred to reserve duty when he was chosen to attend the Maine State Police Academy. Upon graduation in May of 1965, he became a Maine State Trooper at the age of 21. Their first son, Marc, was born two weeks later, followed by their second son, Craig, in 1970.

Don was proud to be a Marine and a member of the Maine State Police. Of the awards he received in his careers, being named Trooper of the Year by his Peers was an honor he treasured. As a trooper, he logged countless miles patrolling the interstate and turnpike. He also served as security to Governor Brennan. After 20 years, Don retired as a Detective, having spent the last eight years assigned to the Criminal Division of the Attorney General’s office. He spent the next 20 years leading the Safety and Human Resource functions for two industrial construction companies.

Don was a gifted carpenter and, when Pat retired, they co-owned DMCP Custom Building and Remodeling. Together, they worked on various building projects in the Central Maine area over the next 10 years. They loved to spend time with family and friends at their primitive camp in Industry snowmobiling, playing cards and cutting wood. Don played softball for the Maine State Police and various men’s league teams in Augusta. He played racquet ball well into his seventies and was a lifetime member of Le Calumet Club.

Don was a hard worker and did nothing on a small scale. Deciding to spend their retirement years in Industry, they built their home; and, over the years added a garage and workshop. They spent many years snowmobiling in Maine and Canada with family and with friends from Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, and Montreal. Don especially enjoyed many snowmobile trips with his sons. He also volunteered doing carpentry and found feeding the rescued horses and donkeys at Double B Equine Rescue to be therapeutic, especially in his illness.

He was predeceased by his parents and his son Craig, who died in 2023.

Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Pat of 60 years, his son, Marc and wife Crystal of Augusta, daughter-in-law, Lisa of Augusta, and his grandchildren, Evan and wife Cali, Noah, and Lyndsey, Allison and Jessica. Also surviving are his siblings: Jeanne Fortin of Augusta, Connie Nadeau and husband Gary of Gorham, and Paul Guerrette and wife Carrie of North Carolina and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

At his request, there will be no public visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 20, at 11 a.m., St. Augustine Catholic Church, Northern Ave., Augusta. Burial will be at the convenice of the family.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name to either: Double B Equine Rescue, 997 W. Mills Rd, Industry, Maine, 04938, or to the American Cancer Society.

Donald R. Guerrette