Donald A. Bannister

Donald A. Bannister, 88, of East Greenwich, passed away unexpectedly on Oct 26, 2024. Born in Coventry, RI. He was the son of the late Arthur and Alice (Demers) Bannister.  He was the beloved husband of 54 years to the late Lella M. Bannister, with whom were the proud owners of Interstate Diesel for over 40 years.

As a young man he proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard and in 1957, he was assigned as an engineman to a 14,000 mile shipping expedition which ultimately took him within a few miles of the North Pole while conducting oceanographic charting through the treacherous route of the Northwest Passage. This historical voyage was also the first successful circumnavigation of the North American continent. His service concluded with an honorable discharge and began his journey in the diesel repair industry.

Don’s professional accomplishments fueled his interest in Sunoco Modified racing, with his team, Bannister Motorsports, winning numerous events and trophies. He was an avid NASCAR fan who attended the races at various tracks or enjoyed the excitement on TV.

Don had a love for family camping, RV trips, playing board games and was also known to kick up his heels on the dance floor during various occasions and events. He was committed to being a strong provider for his family.

He was a parish member of St. Francis de Sales Church, who enjoyed attending Midnight Mass on Christmas with his beloved late wife.

His unwavering passion to live life to the fullest and adventurous spirit brought him all over the country and the globe, most memorably was an enjoyable expedition cruise through the Northwest Passage reflecting upon his time there so many years ago with the USCG, while impacting every soul he met along the way.

His legacy is marked not only by the strength of his loving family, but through the successes of his career as well.

Now, we celebrate his life and carry on his memory through his family and friends.

He was the father of Michael Bannister and Susan King RN and the late David Bannister, and was the step-father of Elliott and Stephen Mitchell, Cindy Hammond, Joseph and Daniel Mitchell. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren 15 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Barry Barrett, Alice (Barrett) Kibbey, George Barrett and Mark Barrett,his brother-in-law: William Clark RN and his nephews-in-law Joseph and William Clark.  He was the brother of the late Lucille (Bannister) Barrett and the late Richard Bannister.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday November 9th at Noon at St. Francis de Sales Church, School St., North Kingstown. Burial will be in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, North Kingstown. Calling hours: Friday November 8th will be held from 5-7 pm in the Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St., East Greenwich. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org