Donald Andrew Thibeault, Jr.

Donald Andrew Thibeault, Jr., died at his home on February 23, 2024, surrounded in love by his family. He was 70 years old. Don was born on September 9, 1953, in Coudersport, PA, to Donald Andrew Thibeault and Marie Allene (Smith) Thibeault. He spent his formative years farming with his family and sowing the seeds of his lifelong love of nature. In the 1960’s the family moved to Falls Church, VA. There, Don’s strong work ethic was strengthened, beginning in middle school with his pre-dawn paper route, which gave means to purchase his first fishing pole and reel, as well as fund his tuition to Bishop O’Connell High School, where he graduated in 1971. Don attended Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, earning his Degree in Forestry and Wildlife in 1975. Following college, Don served in the Peace Corp for several years in Honduras, using his skills and love of wood science to help develop and expand the Forestry Industry in that country. Returning to the US, Don moved to Provincetown, MA, where he had spent summers with his siblings, parents and grandparents as a young child and throughout his teenage years. There he worked for Francis (“Flyer”) Santos, learning and honing the art of wooden boat craft from his mentor, and further cementing his deep love of the sea. On October 10, 1982, he married the love of his life, Kathleen (Carney) Thibeault and embarked on a new life in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Married for 41 years, they raised three wonderful children: Andrew, John, and Madeline. In Florida Don combined his expertise in wood science and his art of boat building for the Marine Industry, earning respect and admiration for these skills in that community. He developed lifelong colleagues and friendships throughout his career. Most of all, Don loved his summers in Provincetown, MA. He spent many quiet hours helping tend his mother’s garden at the Joshua Paine House, patiently taking care of the never-ending handy work tasks of a 19th century home. Don spent much of his free time helping out at the West End Racing Club (West End Racing and Children’s Community Sailing), founded by Flyer in 1957. He also worked with Flyer in Flyer’s legacy work – the half-scale model of the Schooner Rose Dorothea, now on permanent display at the Provincetown Public Library/Heritage Museum. He found peace in long early-morning walks in the woods, making note of the secret spots for wild blueberries and beach plums. One of his favorite activities was to slip off his mooring in the pre-dawn hours to watch the sunrise over the open ocean while the sea creatures wakened all around him. Don instilled this same love of nature’s quiet beauty, and love for the ocean, in his children and many others. Those who knew Don knew him as a man of few words, words that were invariably wise, and worth your attention. His love was evidenced through his meticulous work and honorable deeds. Pre-deceased by his parents, Donald and Allene, and his youngest sister, Nancy, he leaves behind to cherish his memory: Kathleen, Andrew, John, Maddy, his sisters Terry Ciccotelli, Peggy & Bob Sudberry, scores of nieces and nephews, his best friend of 60 years Arthur (AJ) Santos (Meagan), and friends and colleagues too numerous to name. A Memorial Mass of Christian Repose will be Saturday, March 2, 2024, 1 pm, at St. Clare Catholic Church,  821 Prosperity Farms Rd., North Palm Beach, 33408. Reception immediately following at Seasons 52, Ellison Wilson Rd.

In lieu of flowers, Don requested you to donate to the Charity of your choice in his honor.