Donald J. Mcmann

Donald J. McMann, 84, of North Kingstown, passed away at home on Holy Thursday, April 9, after a long illness. He was the loving husband of Irene T. (Serwatka) McMann. They were married for 64 years.

Born and raised in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Lynch) McMann.

At the age of 18, Don enlisted in the United States Air Force serving as a reciprocal engine mechanic working on a wide-range of military aircraft. During his honorable and distinguished career, he was deployed to Vietnam (‘66-’67) and was awarded The Air Force Commendation Medal for his meritorious service with the 19th Tactical Air Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam.  He was also stationed in Spain, Scotland, Greenland, and Turkey, as well as several domestic Air Force bases, including Washington State, New York and Delaware.  Don retired from the Air Force after a 22 year career at the rank of Master Sergeant.

Following his military career, Don returned to Rhode Island and joined the United States Postal Service where he worked for 11 years, retiring in 1988.  While there, he met his two closest friends, Anthony “Tony” Rodrigues and Lou Richards.

Not one to be inactive, Don worked in various capacities for the late Michael Caparco at the Hill Funeral Home in East Greenwich.  Having worked there for over 2 decades, Don was very fond of Mr. Caparco and was quite close with the entire Caparco family as well as David Ucci.

He was a man of many projects and had exemplary work ethic.  His talents were diverse and put to use both inside and outside the home by his friends and family who always had a need for his ability.

An avid swimmer, he could often be seen at his favorite summertime beach, East Matunuck, swimming with a seemingly effortless and recognizable stroke, from one jetty to the other.

Don had a love and passion for his large family.  He devoted his retirement to travel with his wife, supporting his grandchildren at their countless activities, and attending various family functions.

Don had a great sense of humor and a keen sense of self. He embraced diversity, was environmentally sensitive and dedicated to his Catholic faith. He lived an understated lifestyle but was generous with all around him, especially his grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews. Don was a man of principle, unwavering in his convictions and had a strong moral compass.

He leaves six children: Donna M. Conway (Jay) of North Kingstown; Joseph McMann (Nina) of Martha’s Vineyard, MA; Jacqueline Duvall of North Kingstown; Kelly Labarbera (David) of North Kingstown; Kristin L. Walbridge (Jack) of Warwick; and George R. McMann (Susan) of Millville, MA.  Don leaves four sisters: Ruth Mahoney of Block Island, C. Lynne Turnbull (Edward) of Bristol, Sheila Venditto (Robert) of Cranston, and Gail Dow of Cranston. He was predeceased by his sister, Joyce Hurley, and brothers-in-law Thomas Mahoney and Frederick Dow.

He had 16 grandchildren: Katie Gauthier (Anthony), Jennifer and Craig Conway; Lauren and Adam Duvall; Kasey, Alexander, Jaimie, Ashley, Isabelle, Emily, Kathleen and Thomas Labarbera; Reis, Nolan and Riley McMann. Don was the great grandfather of Adrienne Gauthier.   Don also had many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews that he was very close with as well.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday September 19 ^th at 10:00 am at St. Francis de Sales Church, School St., North Kingstown. Military honors will be rendered following the mass. Donations in Don’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the American Cancer Society.