Donald Towne

" Donald A. Towne, 79, of Sargent St, died Saturday at Mary Lane Hospital, Ware. Born in Belchertown May 30, 1926, he was the son of the late Frank and Emma (Dodge) Towne. He was a lifetime resident of the town before relocating to Lake Worth, FL in 1992. A local business owner, he co-owned Don’s Auto Service from 1957 – 1991, which serviced and sold automobiles. He later opened Don’s Auto Body in Ware from 1987 – 1990. He loved classic cars and owned many Model T’s and a Model A. He was a member of the Model T Ford Club of America and also showed his vehicles in many of the Belchertown Fair Parades. A lover of history, he was a member of both the Belchertown Historical Society and the Swift River Valley Historical Society. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 59 years, Helen A. (Boyko) Towne, along with his two daughters, Linda Gay and Roxanne Austin and her husband William, all of Belchertown. He also leaves a brother Frank of Belchertown, four grandchildren, Erik and his wife Terry, and Matthew Gay, and Michael and his wife Kathy, and Megan Austin, along with seven great grandchildren, Kristopher, Keira, Savannah and Emily Gay, and James, Rachael, and Morgan Austin. Funeral services will be Thursday, September 1 at 12:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, 10 Maple St, (Rte. 202) followed by burial in Quabbin Park Cemetery, Ware. Calling hours are Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. At the family’s request, please make donations in his memory to either Shriner’s Hospital, 516 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104, Belchertown Historical Society, Maple St, 01007, or Swift River Valley Historical Society, Elm St., New Salem, MA"