Donald William Chaisson

Donald William Chaisson, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and devoted father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025 in Bedford, Ma, surrounded by his family. He was 81 years old.

Born in Lynn, MA on October 16, 1943, he was the son of John and Lillian (Chaput), Donald grew up in Salem, MA and graduated from Salem High School in 1961.

Immediately following high school, Donald enlisted in the United States Air Force.  During his four years of service, he earned the rank of Airman 2nd Class and served honorably in Vietnam as an air traffic control operator.  His time in service was marked by dedication and quiet courage, traits that would continue to define him throughout his life.  Like many of his fellow servicemen, Donald was exposed to Agent Orange during his deployment - a fact that in later years, would take a serious toll on his health.  Though he carried the weight of that sacrifice quietly, it was a burden that never truly left him.

After completing his military service, Donald began working for American Airlines at Logan Airport in Boston.  It was there that he met the love of his life, Linda Caswell, who worked as a ticket agent for Pan Am.  The two quickly formed a lasting bond and were married in 1972.  That same year, they settled in Ipswich, purchasing their first home on Pleasant Street.  Donald and Linda took great pride in their home, usually receiving many compliments on their seasonally decorated window boxes or pristine Christmas lights.  Their marriage was one of warmth, mutual respect, and deep companionship until Linda's passing in 2005.

Donald is survived by his loving daughter, Robbyn Kirsten Wile and her husband Drew of Ipswich, and by his three beloved grandchildren:  Jackson, Luke and Allie Wile, all of Ipswich.  He is also survived by his brother, John (Jack) Chaisson and his wife Kim, of Phoenix, Arizona.  He was predeceased by his brother Gerald in 1966.  He is further survived by six nephews, Thomas, Paul, and Richard, all of North Carolina; John and William, of South Carolina; and Gary, of North Easton, Massachusetts.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Saturday, June 21 at 9:30am at the Cowles Memorial Cemetery, 29 Town Farm Road in Ipswich.  The public is invited to attend.  

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated staff of the Edith Nourse Veterans Memorial Hospital in Bedford for their compassionate care, specifically during the end of Donald's life.  Special thanks also go to the incredible volunteers of the NVDA program, who sat by his side and offered unwavering support and kindness to both Donald and his loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, in honor of Donald's service and in support of fellow veterans and families.  Assisting the Chaisson family is the Morris Funeral Home of Ipswich.  To send a letter of condolence to Donald’s family please go to:  MorrisFH.com .

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