Swan’s Island
Donald M. Staples, 87, passed away Aug. 19, 2021, at MDI Hospital. He was born in Tremont, Sept. 28, 1933, the son of Maynard and Ethel (Wheaton) Staples.
Donnie joined the Navy at the age of 17, where he served for four years. He then returned to Swan’s Island to go lobstering and shrimping. He worked as an AB for the Maine State Ferry service for many years and after his retirement went back to lobstering. Donnie was well known for his love of animals, working in his barn and hunting. Donnie and his wife Bonnie enjoyed traveling in their motor home to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and many other places.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of 28 years; sons Dusty Staples and wife Tammie, Galen (Sput) Staples and wife Janice, Kevin Staples and wife Debbie; daughter Lorrie Parady and husband Mike; stepdaughter Julie MacDonald and husband Bruce; stepson Danny Johnson and wife Rachel; nephew Doug Rich; grandchildren Joe Rodrigue, Lindsay Staples, Eric Staples, Lacey Freelove, Kyle Staples, Steve Rodrigue, Caleb MacDonald, Ezra Johnson, Lincoln Johnson, Sarah Jae MacDonald; many great grandchildren and his first wife Martha Reed.
He was predeceased by his father Maynard Staples, mother Ethel Staples, sister Muriel Rich and granddaughter Christie Kennedy.
A graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery at a later date.
Contributions in Donnie’s memory may be made to the Swan’s Island Ambulance Fund, Swan’s Island, Maine 04685.