Donald E. “Don” Leavitt, 84, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, in the Holy Family Hospital at Merrimack Valley. He was the husband of Mary (Bousnakis) Leavitt with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.
Born in Haverhill June 22, 1930, he was the son of the late William J. and Grace F. (Welch) Leavitt. He was a life long resident of Haverhill and a graduate of St. James High School, where he was a member of the football team. Leavitt served our country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. While he was enlisted he enjoyed boxing.
Leavitt proudly owned and operated Plaza Greetings at Haverhill Plaza and Crown Shop at Port Plaza in Newburyport for 40 before retiring in 1998. He coached Little League in Haverhill for many years and loved all sports especially cheering on the New England Patriots and Notre Dame. He was an avid reader of history and biographies. He was a dedicated family man who relished the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandson. His family and friends will cherish all the special times they spent together and keep them forever in their hearts.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving children, Stephen M. Leavitt and his wife, Jacqueline of Newburyport and Donna M. Sexton and her husband, Wayne of Bradford; six grandchildren, Jacquelyn, Casey, David and Michael Sexton and Daniel and Matthew Leavitt; his great-grandson, Brogan and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his two brothers, William J. and Robert N. Leavitt.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday in St. James Church, 161 Winter Street, Haverhill at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be Friday evening in the Linnehan-Grondin Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will be in St. James Cemetery in Haverhill. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Flowers are welcomed and or donations may be made in Don’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.