Navy veteran; avid Red Sox fan who enjoyed outdoor activities

Published in the June 7, 2018 edition

BELLEVIEW, Fla. — Donald “Don” Genzler, 87, passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Hampton Manor Memory Care, surrounded by people who loved him in the care of hospice.

Mr. Genzler was born in Portland, Iowa and was a longtime resident of North Reading, Mass. until his retirement in 1990 when he moved to The Villages, Florida.

Mr. Genzler served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Chilton (APA-38) from 1948 until his honorable discharge in 1951. Mr. Genzler was a recipient of the Navy Occupation Service Medal and China Service Medal.

Mr. Genzler coached his son’s Little League team, the “Tigers,” in North Reading and also volunteered with the Boy Scouts, taking them canoeing and camping in Maine.

An avid Red Sox fan, Mr. Genzler enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting and snowmobiling with his family.

He was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Genzler in 1988, brothers William, Virgil and Glenn and sister Lois.

He is survived by his daughter Marilee Joy Fournier and her husband Daniel of The Villages, Fla., sons Donald L. Genzler of Island Pond, Vt., and Scott W. Genzler and his wife Jennifer of North Reading, Mass., brother Larry Genzler of Methuen, Mass., daughter-in-law Joan Genzler of Reading, Mass., five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose, Mass. at a later date. Arrangements are by National Cremation Society.