February 3, 2025
Massey, Donald D.
Donald “Don” David Massey cherished father and husband, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 87. He was the devoted husband of Judith (Judy) Ruppert Massey, married 52 years.
Born in a farmhouse in Gillett Arkansas, Don was son of Walter Frank Massey and Irene Lily (Greenhill) Massey Moore. He attended high school in Dallas, Texas where he became a football star known for his speed. He graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in electrical engineering. Using his engineering skills and sales acumen he worked in the early days of Silicon Valley, California for IBM and Fairchild Semiconductor.
Don next moved to Massachusetts where he met the love of his life Judy at the top of Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire. As a married couple, they skied in the winter and sailed their boat the “Hey Jude“ in the summer.
Don took pride in being a father of 4 children, grandfather (Pop-Pop) of 7 children and great-grandfather of 9 children. His love for them was great, only closely matched by his love of popcorn, ice cream, football, and Panera Bread.
While everyone loved Don’s warm grin his family knew his back best, as he was most often found head-down tackling his current fix-it project or working under the hood of a car. From computers and printers to watches and boots, Don fixed it all for his family and friends.
Don’s math and sales skills moved him to begin a career in insurance, disability and financial advising. He took his family to Disney World 3 times as winner of awards for selling disability policies.
Don was loyal, not only to family but also to his investment clients. In recent years he worked with a select few, those he considered friends.
Don was dedicated to his faith, serving recently as chair of the investment committee for the Allin Congregational Church, Dedham. He was also a member of the Dedham Rotary Club and the Dedham Town Tennis Association.
Don is survived by his wife Judy (Ruppert), children Celeste Ewald and husband Steve of Wisconsin, son Mark and wife Carolina of Florida, daughter Karyn Martin and husband Sean of New Hampshire, and son Kurt and wife Natasha of Florida. He will be greatly missed.
Don’s Memorial Visitation is on Thursday, February 6 from 4 – 8 PM at Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, WESTWOOD. His Funeral Service will be celebrated on Friday, February 7 at 10 AM in the Allin Congregational Church, 683 High Street, Dedham. https://www.allinchurch.org
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Allin Congregational Church, 683 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026 or the New England Patriots Foundation, One Patriot Place, Foxboro, MA 02035.
IMPORTANT: Because of renovations to the funeral home in Dedham, Mr. Massey’s visitation will be held at our Westwood funeral home.