Donne Harran

Donne F. Harran, now better known as “BLUE”, age 85, died on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital with his loving family at his side.  He was born to Nelson and Marion Harran at Brightlook Hospital in St. Johnsbury in May of 1932.

Donne grew up on River Road in Passumpsic and attended Passumpsic graded school. After 8th grade, he moved on to St. Johnsbury Academy and graduated with the Class of 1950.  Shortly after graduation when the Korean War broke out, Donne enlisted in the USAF just as his older brother, Marnel, had done 9 months earlier. Donne was transferred to and from many bases including from Lackland to Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS, for radar mechanic school, Walker AFB, then to basic Army finance school in St. Louis, MO, and back to Walker where he became a full time employee at the base finance office.

Then came a call for volunteers to go to England.  Donne volunteered and was very lucky to have ended up at the Royal Air Force Station in West Drayton, a suburb of London.  While there he met and married the love of his life, Maureen Gloria Poole of Hayes, Middlesex.  Their first child, Linda Marie, was born in England.  When Donne’s tour of duty was up he returned to Camp Killemer, NJ for discharge.  As soon as Maureen and Linda received their passports, they flew to the US and landed in Boston, MA, and traveled on to Passumpsic, VT, to live.  When their second child, Steve Leslie, was born the family moved to Concord Avenue in St. Johnsbury where they lived for over 50 years. Son #2, Timmy Arthur, and son #3, Michael Nelson, followed.  All of the children went to St. Johnsbury schools and graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy.

Donne and Maureen had many gatherings and camping trips with the family as well as with the Ruggles family.  They had enjoyed traveling to England several times to visit their best friends, John and Iris, and enjoyed hosting John and Iris on their visits to Vermont. Donne and Maureen celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary in England. And then, several years later, a sad day happened.  Maureen lost her valiant battle against cancer.

Donne worked as a St. Johnsbury Letter Carrier, retiring after 32 years on the job.  After retirement, he moved back to Passumpsic to the family home where he grew up.  He met Edith Mitchell of Lyndon Center while playing cards and they have been friends for 20 years. Donne and Edith enjoy playing cards, going out to eat together, four-wheeling, and were fortunate to be able to travel together to several places to see many people.

Donne enjoyed four wheeling with friends and family. He was a New York Yankee fan and enjoyed watching the games.  Donne was a member of the Passumpsic Masonic Lodge #29, Lakeview Grange #359, Pomona and National Grange, and American Legion Post 58.  He had recently received his 50 year membership certificate and pin from both the American Legion and Lakeview Grange.

Donne is survived by a daughter: Linda Konieczny and husband, Steven, of Waterford; three sons: Steve Harran and wife, Trudy, of Danville, Timmy Harran of Concord, and Michael Harran and wife, Candance, of Danville; 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 2 nieces, and 2 nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife: Maureen Harran; his parents: Nelson and Marion Harran; and his only brother: Marnel Harran.

Funeral services officiated by Rev. Steven Clark will be held at 3:30PM on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Passumpsic Community Baptist Church. The family will receive guests at the church from 2PM until the time of service. Guests are asked to dress for their comfort.  Everyone, whether able to attend the funeral or not, is welcomed to a gathering at the American Legion in St. Johnsbury at 5PM.

Burial with military honors and Masonic service will be in the spring on Monday, May 21, 2018, 3PM at the Passumpsic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Passumpsic Community Baptist Church, c/o Joanne Jurentkuff, PO Box 126, Passumpsic, VT  05861, or to Caledonia Home Health and Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, or to Lakeview Grange, c/o Charlie Mcalpine, 50 Cottage Lane, Barnet, VT  05821.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.saylesfh.com