Donald Mullally

Donald Frank Mullally, age 88, of Forest Avenue, passed away on Friday November 18, 2016, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH.

Don was born in Somerville, MA, on February 24, 1928, son to the late Frank James and Abbie F. (Butler) Mullally. He was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy in the Class of 1947 and following his service in the Navy, he married the former Velvier Findley.  They shared 64 years together when she passed in 2014.  His time in the Navy working with radio equipment developed what would become a 65 year career of radio broadcasting at WTWN (now WSTJ) except for a brief stint in Glen Falls, NY, early on. Don’s love for radio, the community and all those who lived in and around it allowed him to wear many hats, not the least of which was as a haberdasher at the Men’s Shop on Railroad Street in St. Johnsbury .  He was an elected Caledonia County Assistant Judge, kept membership with the Kiwanis Club of St. Johnsbury, the South Congregational Church and The Caledonia County Fair Association, with over 50 years of service to each.

Don had numerous accolades and recognitions from various organizations. In 1991, he was presented with a flag flown over the United States Capitol building and entered into the Congressional minutes, at the request of Sen. Patrick Leahy, as Citizen of the Year for the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce.  He was inducted into the Vermont Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2001; honored by the Kiwanis of America for 50 years of perfect attendance; recognized by the South Congregational Church for over 50 years of dedicated service; was the first Dwayne B. Shearer Award recipient from St. Johnsbury Academy. He was also honored by many local organizations including the American Legion, the VFW, the VT Dairy Association, the VT Maple Producers, the VT Grocers’ Association, the Lions, the Elks, the Moose, the Rotary Club, the St. Johnsbury baseball organization, and others.  He was pleased to be part of the South Congregational Church Choir, the St. Johnsbury Players, the St. Johnsbury Big Band, the Cat Bow Bog Hunting and Fishing Club and the Thursday Golf Group.

“Work is life. Life is work. Enjoy it all.” – Donald Mullally

He is survived by his daughter: Lynda Mullally of St. Johnsbury, 2 sons: Donald Jr. (Diane) Mullally of Myrtle Beach, Michael (Bernadette) Mullally of Colchester, 3 grandchildren: Celina Hemingway, Travis Mullally, Lucas Mullally, and 4 great-grandchildren: Hailey, Avery, Olivia, and Ellie.

He was pre-deceased by his wife “Val”, a brother and his wife, Joseph (Lillian) Mullally.

Friends may call on the family from 2-6PM, Friday, Nov. 25, 2016, at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer St. in St. Johnsbury.

Memorial services will be held at 11AM on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016, at the former South Church building, Main Street in St. Johnsbury with Rev. Jay Sprout officiating. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Club, PO Box 204, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 or to the Caledonia County Fair Association Box 343, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.saylesfh.com.