Donald Frank Saunders

BUCKFIELD – Donald Frank Saunders, born on August 4, 1947, in Teaneck, NJ, to parents Alfred and Katherine Saunders, passed away in Topsham on April 6, 2025, after a 12-year journey with Alzheimer’s disease. His beloved wife and caregiver Diana was by his side throughout his illness, and in the end, he was at peace.

Even as a child and young teenager, Don was always a hard worker, working in his father’s meat market and as a paper boy. At age 15, he had made enough money to buy a red GTO. He was too young to get a license, so he drove it up and down his driveway. He enjoyed summers at Barnegat Bay at Jersey Shore with his family, where he learned to surf and sail. He continued to work and lived at home while attending Farleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ.

Don was a loving and proud father to his only son, Brett Wiese Saunders. They loved flying on snowboards down the mountains at Sunday River and Bretton Woods ski resorts.

Don lived a life rich with passion, generosity, and quiet strength. A lifelong lover of the sea, he spent countless joyful hours aboard Melita, his beloved wooden sailboat, exploring the waters around and beyond Castine Harbor. His summer cottage in Castine was a special place of retreat, adventure, and togetherness—a home that welcomed friends and family with open arms.

He was a natural athlete and in addition to sailing, he loved running, snowboarding, skateboarding, skiing, surfing and ice skating. He was a natural tinkerer who could fix just about anything, often with a smile and a quiet chuckle. Above all, Don will be remembered for his kind heart, gentle patience, and a sense of humor that brought warmth and laughter to those lucky enough to know him.

Professionally, Don spent most of his career in healthcare. He dedicated nearly three decades to Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin, NH. He served with integrity and compassion—first as Controller, then as Assistant Executive Director, and ultimately as President and CEO for the last 20 years of his career. His leadership was marked by humility, dedication, and a deep commitment to community care.

Later in life, Don found love with Diana Dunn. After a yearlong courtship, they were married at Orchard House on the Old Dunn Farm in Buckfield. Together, they embraced retirement with the same spirit of adventure—spending winters in Florida or Kiawah, SC, and summers sailing or enjoying time at Don’s cherished cottage in Castine.

Don adored his family. His son Brett, along with Diana’s sons Kevin and Christopher, daughters-in-law Chantel and Kerry, and grandchildren Jacob and Lilia Irish, and Connor, Jordan, and Sofia Cohen, brought him great pride and joy. Summer gatherings with them were among his happiest times.

He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Kit (Katherine) Nordeen. He leaves behind his devoted wife of nearly 21 years, Diana; his son, Brett; his stepsons Kevin and Christopher and their spouses; and their treasured grandchildren, all of whom carry his love and legacy forward.

Funeral arrangements are by Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home of Augusta, ME. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home website http://www.KHRfuneralhomes.com.

A private family burial will take place at Orchard Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Don’s memory to:

Buckfield (ME) food pantry or: Castine Historical Society or: the Tree of Life Food Pantry that serves the

residents of Castine (ME) and surrounding communities (www.treeoflifepantry.org)