Joseph D. Lavigne, known as “Don” to all who loved him, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, January 10, 2016, at his home in Methuen, MA.  He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Gertrude (Gray) Lavigne.  He was predeceased by his parents Donat and Lydia Lavigne.  

In addition to his wife, he was proud of his family Patti D’Agata and her husband Glenn, the late Yvette Moran and her husband Peter, Kathi Lavigne, Donald Lavigne and his wife Maria, Theresa Bassett and her husband Chris, and Traci Milnes and her husband Michael.   He enjoyed his 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. 

His family members also included his siblings Yvette Elliott and her husband Bob, the late Rita Marquis and her late husband Ray and the late Robert Lavigne, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Don had a passion for time spent with family during cookouts, camping and going on frequent road trips.  If it was an adventure, he was going.  If a storm was coming, you could find him at the ocean.  If it was a snowstorm, he was out there.  Climbing Mt. Washington, hunting in Colorado, riding donkeys down the Grand Canyon, planning a colossal pig roast for everyone he knew; It was important to him that his children have the same sense of adventure.  When he was home, he spent countless hours tending to his vegetable garden and apple trees. 

He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy serving during the Korean War and on the USS Salem in the Mediterranean.  He was a master electrician, having worked for 33 years at Textron, formally Avco.  He retired in 1996.

He was a wonderful husband, adventurous and caring father, incredible grandfather, and most especially, a loving great-grandfather.  He will be missed every day.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, January 14, 2016, from 4 to 7 PM at the Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. A Funeral Mass will be on Friday, January 15, at 11 AM in St. Monica Church, Methuen. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Methuen. To send an online condolence, please go to www.dewhirstfuneral.com or www.facebook.com/DewhirstFuneralHome.

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