Donald Averill Reade

Donald Averill Reade, 84, of Braintree, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026, surrounded by family. He was the beloved son of the late Bertha Merritt Reade, and the late Irvin Douglass Reade, of Holbrook, MA. The oldest of nine children and loving brother of Ronald Reade and his late wife, Lillian; Irvin “Bud” Reade and wife, Patty;  Roger Reade and wife, Midori;  Nancy Porter and husband, Jim;  Ruth Tucker and husband, Richard; Jeff Reade and wife, Christine.  He was predeceased by his sister Priscilla Halliday and brother Robert  Reade.He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews and their children who all loved and cared for him deeply. A man of strong convictions and faith, Donnie was known as the family historian and took pride in sharing family history and stories with the younger generations. 

     Donnie was born in Whitman, MA and raised in Randolph and Hingham before spending most of his adult life in Quincy, MA.  Cape Cod and especially the village of Cataumet held a special place in his heart.  A member of the Hingham High School Class of 1959, Donald went on to graduate from Dickinson College in 1963 where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. 

     Donnie was an English teacher at Cohasset High School and retired in 1996. A devout member of the church, he was an accomplished organist and played countless church services throughout southeastern Massachusetts. Donnie’s friends from both childhood and college remember him for his participation in religious activities and choral music. Donald could often be heard humming his favorite hymns and was remembered as a man who brought humor, creativity, and sensibility to those around him. 

       Donnie had a passion for theater. He directed productions during his tenure at Cohasset High School. As an active member of the Hingham Civic Chorus, he performed in many musicals including The Music Man, and Oklahoma.  He was also a season pass holder at Huntington Theatre where he shared his love with any family and friends willing to join him. 

    Donnie  loved traveling to Italy and visited the country numerous times throughout his life.  He expressed his gratitude before passing to his devoted sister, Ruth, for caring for him and the family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at the Royal nursing home of Braintree and to Trinity Hospice for their compassion, loving care and dignity.  

     Funeral services will be held at the  Cataumet United Methodist Church on May 8th @ 11:00 at 1091 County Rd., Cataumet, MA.