Capt. Donald J. Gauthier, 78
April 3, 1947 – December 10, 2025
Salem – Capt. Donald ‘Don’ J Gauthier, 78, of Salem, passed away on Wednesday December 10, 2025, surrounded by his family at the Kaplan Hospice House in Danvers. He was the devoted husband of Mary Lou (Michaud) Gauthier for 56 years.
Born in Salem, Don was the son of the late Ludger Gauthier and Jeannette (Nadeau) Gauthier. While at Salem High, he became Foreman on the night shift for Consolidated Coal whenever a ship docked at the Salem power plant. After graduation in 1965 Don worked for G.E in Lynn until the big strike in 1969. Only then to begin a long career as a commercial glazier. Affectionately known as ‘Captain,’ he was an avid boating enthusiast and fisherman spending many hours with his family and friends on the dock at Pickering Wharf or fishing on his boat, ‘Happy Buddha.’ Don had a memorable tone that could often be heard over almost any other voice in the room. He was a very social person, he loved to laugh and was always willing to share his opinion on a variety of topics. He was a considerate man, who consistently offered a helping hand to whomever crossed his path. Despite several hardships throughout his life, Don was always able to show his resilience and never let anything dampen his demeanor. Don's family and friends will remember him for his infectious personality, love of life, and devotion to those around him.
Don is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; In addition, he is also survived by his three children, Donald (DJ) Gauthier, his wife Katie, of Salem; Michael Gauthier, his husband Justin Kelly of Cape Neddick, ME; and his daughter Amy Fraser, her husband Daniel Fraser of Salem. In addition to his immediate family, Don is also survived by two grandchildren he adored; Calvin Martell, his wife Chelsi; and Sophie Gauthier, along with two great-grandchildren, Paityn and Ella. Don leaves behind five siblings; Raymond Gauthier, his wife Ty; Joan Knuuttila, her husband Richard; Carol Theriault, her husband Victor; Richard Gauthier, his wife Rhonda; and Paula Gauthier. Don was predeceased by his brother, the late L. Jean “Jeano” Gauthier. Don also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Berube & Sons Funeral Home, 191 Lafayette St., Salem. A graveside service will be held Saturday 11:00AM at Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association through www.alz.org or Care Dimensions through www.CareDimensions.org. To send a condolence to the family, please comment below. Be sure to add your name and click ‘comment as guest’ on the second page.