Donald G. Poirier
Donald Poirier passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 24, 2021, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was the son of Louis and Lauretta Ostiguy Poirier. He was born in West Stewartstown, NH on December 1, 1936.
He leaves behind his family and friends who held him in the highest regard. Donald valued his family and family time above all else. He will be dearly missed by several close friends, including those weekly Sunday morning breakfast with Paul and Ray. Donald always enjoyed playing golf whether it was tournaments or a round with friends. Donald and Pat enjoyed their yearly trips to Marco Island, shared with family and friends. Throughout the years, there were many remembered trips to Boston to see family, and most importantly Donald’s sister, Lorraine.
He also valued and was passionate about the Peoples Trust Company and had spent the majority of his lifetime serving the “Bank with a Heart” as an employee and then as a Board member. Donald first started at Peoples Trust Company in January of 1956, and then after a brief absence, rejoined the bank in July of 1962. Over his 40+ year career, he held many positions and worked in various departments, however his most memorable would likely be as a Senior Loan Officer. Donald sat at the first desk to the right as you enter the main lobby of the Kingman Street branch and that location suited his personality well. Outgoing and energetic, he was the Community’s Loan Officer and there are countless stories of residents of Franklin County that first got their business started or got their first loan from Donald Poirier. He knew everyone that entered the lobby, greeted them and took the time to make sure they all felt special. This connectivity and willingness to engage led to him being revered throughout the area and if a customer needed something they simply needed to “go see Don.” He would achieve many acolytes during his 40 plus year career at the Peoples Trust Company including becoming the Senior Executive Vice President. Donald would retire in 2001 after serving 39 consecutive years. When he retired, he continued with the Peoples Trust Company’s Board of Directors, a testament to not only his banking knowledge and experience, but to his willingness to continue to give selflessly of his time to support the bank he loved. He would be elected Secretary of the Board of Directors in 2002, a position he would hold until his passing. During his employment days and continuing into retirement, Donald gave of his time and expertise to many civic causes. He was a long-time member of Holy Angels Church, Rotary Club of St. Albans, Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation, St. Albans Historical Museum, Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree Knight, Franklin Grand Isle Restoration Justice Center, and many, many others. He is a reminder to all of us of what service to the community truly is. As one mentioned “His existence and contribution to this community will never be forgotten.”
Donald will be remembered for his resiliency. Having his own medical issues at a relatively young age and despite the tragic loss of two of his children and his wife, Donald continued to persevere and have a positive impact on those he encountered. Always caring, compassionate, and genuine in his approach, he will be remembered fondly by all.
Donald is survived by his wife Patricia King, his children and their spouses, Laurinda Poirier-Solomon and husband Dr. Richard Solomon, of St. George, Lynnca Perkins and husband Tim, of Fairfield, Luann Poirier and wife Robin Racine, of Richmond, Lyle Poirier and wife Angela, of Swanton. Grandchildren Siobhan and Daniel Vega, Analesa Perkins, Jason and Shannon Trainer, Britini Trainer and Madysen Poirier; great-grandchildren Abigail and Allison Trainer, Kaydence Trainer, and Camilo Vega. His sister Lorraine DiPinto of Medford, MA; nieces and nephews, Linda and Tony Pasciuto, Dianne and Michael DeMatteo, Raymond and Donna DiPinto, Denise Nastasia; grand nieces and nephews, Marc Pasciuto, Vanessa and David Pennybaker, Michelle and Josh Paquette, Greg and Yuni DeMatteo, Briana and Vin DeLucia, Dana and Janelle DiPinto, Danny and Shannon Nastasia, Derek Nastasia, and several great-grand nieces and nephews. His extended family, Debra and Dan Bushey, Sadie, Charles, Smith, and Eli Russell, Carly and Aaron Clayton, and Jessie Bushey and Louie Escamilla.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Jeanne Montcalm Poirier, his parents Louis and Lauretta Poirier, stepmother Lorraine Poirier, brother Raymond Poirier, brother-in-law Gus DiPinto, daughter Leetha Trainer, and son Loren Poirier.
A special thank you to Dr. Zail Berry, Hospice and Palliative Care, Franklin County Home Health, UVM Oncology, and Northwestern Medical Center.
At this time there are no services planned, due to COVID. A later date will be set for services.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Franklin County Home Health, 3 Home Health Cir #1, St. Albans VT 05478.
Assisting the Poirier family is the Heald Funeral Home, Celebrating Lives Since 1918, where messages of condolence or sharing of memories are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.
