Donald B. Lavigne, 77, of Warwick, passed away peacefully at Kent Regency Center, surrounded by love.
He was the loving life partner, best friend and companion of Susan Jay.
Born in Warwick, he was the son of the late Ernest L. And Rachel V. Lavigne.
Residing in Warwick for most of his life. He was employed by the City of Warwick as a vehicle maintenance mechanic and retired as Chief of the automotive division in 2012. He worked for several years for Super Service Oil managing the fleet service delivery trucks and heavy equipment repair for Smithfield Diesel. Don was known as “Diesel Doc”. There wasn’t an engine or vehicle he couldn’t fix. His innate skills and knowledge of engines and motors was also a passion when it came to marine repairs as well. He cherished taking his kids out boating to swim, fish and go water skiing. He enjoyed running, diving, building model airplanes and boats. He was probably born with a fishing rod in one hand and an engine in the other. Many will remember him walking miles on end just to keep moving. One of his dreams was to fly and own his own aircraft. He pursued that dream by acquiring his Private Pilot’s License and it gave him great pleasure to take his friends and family for rides in his Cessna.
Don, over his lifetime built strong friendships with so many people, some he considered like fathers to him and others as part of his family. He was always a person you could count on. If you needed help, he was there, if you needed something he would get it for you. He inspired people to follow their dreams, take chances and learn from those who taught them.
He was humble when speaking of his military service. A veteran of Vietnam serving two tours, Seabees, US Navy and continued his service in the Navy Reserve and Rhode Island Air National Guard serving during Operation Enduring Freedom, Kuwait-Afghanistan conflict, ending his military with over 26 years combined service, receiving several medals and accommodations.
He was the loving father of Christopher Lavigne (Kathy) of Roseville, CA, Jay Lavigne (Nicole) of South Kingstown, and Bethany Boyd (Gregory) of Narragansett. He was also a loving father figure to Justin Jay of Coventry and Jocelyn Jay of Cranston. Don was a very proud Papa to Piper, Ella, Liam, Arthur and Rowan. He was the brother of June Anthony, Richard Lavigne, the late Ernest Lavigne Jr and the late Janet Horta. He also leaves behind Paula Lavigne of Narragansett, his Brother-In-Law David Horta of Fiskeville, several nieces and nephews all of whom he cared deeply for.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the Carpenter Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick from 4 to 8 p.m. Don’s Funeral and Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL. 33607, Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. 758516, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8516, or a charity of your choice.
