Mr. Donald James Bressette Obituary (1940

SOUTH ATTLEBORO - Donald James Bressette, 77, of South Attleboro, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife and family on August 24, 2017, after a courageous battle with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Donald was born on January 27, 1940, at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. He attended the North Attleboro public school system and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Central Falls, Rhode Island. After high school, he began his journey as a Military Police Officer within the United States Army. He served throughout the United States, and after his honorable discharge, Donald worked in a variety positions -- most notably Engelhard Industries. At Engelhard, his meticulous honesty secured his supervisory role until the Plainville, Mass., facility’s closure in 1993. Every place Donald worked thereafter, he demonstrated his loyalty and impeccable work ethic -- whether it was the former Fernandes Supermarkets, where he served as Deli Manager until the Attleboro and North Attleboro stores closed, or Franklin Sports in Stoughton, where he worked in the shipping department until he retired in 2003. Donald found his greatest identity as devoted husband to the love of his life, Mary Jane (Trepanier) Bressette, who survives him. During 57 years of marriage, Donald and Mary Jane raised four daughters and now have two grandchildren. Their unwavering commitment to each other through hundreds of seasons and many challenges is a testament to their life-long love. In addition to his bride, Mary Jane, Donald is survived by daughters, Renee (Bressette) Gigliotti, Michelle (Bressette) Ewald, Janine Bressette-King and her husband, Jonathan King, as well as Denise (Bressette) Jolicoeur. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Kristen Englard and Evan Saunders, along with in-laws Paul Trepanier, Jacqueline Trepanier, Claudia Combs, several nieces and nephews and many cousins. Donald is predeceased by his mother, Frances Knowlton and father, Joseph Bressette. Anyone who knows Donald knew him as an avid New England Patriots fan, long before being a Patriots fan was very popular or very rewarding. To Donald, the Pats were his team and he’ll keep rooting for them from his sky box seat in heaven. Donald is also known for his honesty, integrity and ever-growing faith in Jesus Christ. Family legend tells of Donald driving clear across town to return 5 cents, upon realizing a cashier had given him too much change. These qualities spilled over into other areas of his life, blessing his family, friends and a lifetime of acquaintances, with his love, care and concern. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at Faith Alliance Church, 833 Pleasant Street, Attleboro, MA. A celebration of Donald’s life will immediately follow for friends and family. Private burial will occur at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Donald’s name to Community VNA, 10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA 02703, in appreciation of the caring and comfort they provided through Donald’s final months and days.