BARRE - Donald R. Desilets, age 83, died Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Crestwood Center, Milford, NH after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born October 22, 1942, in Barre, he was the son of Roger and Amerilda (Chaloux) Desilets. Donald was in the first graduating class at Marian High School. He served in the Army Reserves, worked at Sprague Electric for 24 years and, after its closing, at Capital Candy for 22 years.

Donald always considered Barre his home and St. Monica Catholic Church his parish and missed both when his illness necessitated a move near his sister in New Hampshire. While in Barre, Don was a member of the Canadian Club, Mutuo and American Legion Post 10. An avid sports fan, Don attended Marian High School games long past his graduation and always followed Boston sports, especially his beloved Red Sox.

Survivors include his sister Michele Houle and her husband, Steven of Amherst, NH; his brother Robert Desilets of Metairie, LA; his niece Stephanie Houle and nephews Robert Desilets, Jr., Michael Houle, and Jeffrey Houle.

Besides his parents, Donald was predeceased by his brother Terrence Desilets, his sister-in-law JoAnn Desilets and niece Jennifer Britto.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) in the St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer St., Barre, VT. Later interment will take place at St. Sylvester Cemetery in Websterville, VT. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, Donald requested that donations be made to St. Monica Catholic Church.