Donald Hebert ... ran Hebert's Market in Somersworth; at 97
Friday, May 16, 2025 7:25 am
BRINY BREEZES, Fla. - Donald J Hebert, born November 14, 1927 in Somersworth, NH passed away at the age of 97, on January 1, 2025 in his home with his wife by his side. Donald was the son to Louis and Marie (Rouleau) Hebert.
Donald left high school to serve in the US Navy during WWII and later earned his high school diploma. Donald met his wife Jane on a blind date that neither wanted to go on, but thankfully they did because they spent a wonderful life together and had recently celebrated their 68th Wedding Anniversary on December 1st, holding hands from two separate hospital beds in their living room. Donald was very proud of his family and was very devoted to his wife, serving as her caregiver for many years. He had worked at Clarostat in Dover, and in Bristol, CT prior to joining in ownership and management of a family business, Hebert's Market in Somersworth. The store provided employment for many people over 30 plus years and he was always considerate of the employees outside activities, allowing students time off for school events, and any important event an employee had. Even while operating a family business, he always made time for his family's school and sporting events, and was involved on the school board at St Thomas Aquinas High School. While raising a family, the summers involved a lot of camping, and Donald commuted for many years, from a seasonal camp lot in Cornish ME, to work each day. Donald had a very strong work ethic and took pride in his work, and always stayed active, even well into his 90's he was still walking, and swimming in the pool and the ocean. Donald was supposed to retire following the sale of Hebert's Market in 1985, but retirement wasn't for him, he immediately went to work doing early morning deliveries for Harvey's Bakery in Dover. After, making FL a permanent home, he went to work for St Andrew's Country Club were he was manager of the bag room for nearly 30 years, he only finally retired to devote his time to Jane, he was 89 years old. During Donald and Jane's 68 years of marriage they loved to travel, going to places such as Paris, Greece, London, just to name a few. They also enjoyed traveling in their motor home, which once was a six month trip all over the US even to Alaska and many Canadian Provinces. They were members of Family Motor Coach and even created a motor home club in the community of Briny Breezes. They also spent many years square dancing and traveling to conventions. Donald was an active member of the Lion's Club, he also belonged to the Brown Bears, CWV, VFW and the American Legion. In his FL community he was a member of the Boating and Fishing Club, the Chiseler's Club, the Curtain Raisers (theatrical production), the History Club and every Monday he drove around the community collecting the recycling. Donald was always generous and forgiving, never having a bad word to say about anyone and always had a beautiful smile to share, and a laugh that was infectious. He had a lot of expressions that we would often hear, but the one I reflect on most was, "You're going to miss me when I gone!" and Dad, we certainly do! A Navy Veteran during WWII, business owner, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, he lived life to the fullest. We were all so fortunate to share this life with him. Donald was predeceased by his parents, and his siblings, Rita Buster, Roland Hebert, his twin sister Lorraine Mailhot and Raymond Hebert. His wife Jane did survive him, but passed soon after him on Feb 11, 2025. He is survived by his children, Mark (Tracey) Hebert and Ann Marie Hebert, grandchildren Ellen Hebert, Stephanie Hebert and Steven (Amber) Hebert and great-grandchildren Liam and Adeline Hebert. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, he always pointed out that Jim, made him an Uncle in 1941.
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