September 15, 1932 — October 31, 2025
After serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Don returned home, married his beloved Eileen, and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Connecticut. Don and Eileen shared 60 years of marriage until her passing.
Don’s professional life was marked by dedication and distinction. He taught statistics at Boston University, worked as an engineer at Sylvania, and later led the Product Assurance department at Raytheon for the Patriot Missile program, a surface-to-air missile system still in use today. After retiring from his 30+ year career at Raytheon, he continued to serve his community as a Trustee for Walker Meadow in Westborough, where he and Eileen made their home.
Don embraced life with enthusiasm and a wide array of interests. A diehard New England Patriots fan through winning seasons and losing ones alike, he was also an avid golfer and helped organize several “Fradette Opens.” He coached his sons’ sports teams with encouragement and energy, and enjoyed playing bridge and chess, listening to Elvis, and working with his hands in carpentry. Don and Eileen traveled extensively and loved to dance together. Above all, he was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a strong role model who emphasized the importance of family, hard work, and kindness.
Don was predeceased by his brothers Raymond and Real, as well as his “honorary” youngest brother, Donald Courtois. He is survived by his brothers Maurice (Moe) and his wife Suzanne (Sue), and Michael and his wife Irena; sisters-in-law Rosemary and Rose; and Carol Courtois, wife of Donald. He leaves his three children and their spouses: Donald “Don” Fradette, Jr. and his wife Catherine (Cathy), Thomas “Tom” Fradette and his wife Julie, and Charlene Bauer and her husband William (Bill). Affectionately known as “Papa,” Don is also survived by five grandchildren: Danielle Thornbrugh and her husband William (Bill), Katie Arnao and her husband Eric, James Fradette and his wife Christine, Michael Fradette, and Christopher Bauer; and four great-grandchildren, Liam and Logan Thornbrugh, and Ella and Luke Fradette.
Don’s life was a testament to love, loyalty, and integrity. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know him.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 21, in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main Street, Westborough. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Luke’s Cemetery, Westborough.
Calling hours will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 A.M. on Friday, prior to the Mass, in the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main Street, Westborough.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
