Petty Officer First Class Donald W. Gale, U.S. Navy retired, age 75, of Brum Street, Bristol, died Saturday, July 28, 2018, at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence. He was the husband of Sue Ann (Wallace) Gale, his wife of 49 years. They would have celebrated their Golden anniversary in February of 2019.

Born in Pittsfield, Mass., he was a son of the late Manley and Dorothy (Ward) Gale. Donald served 22 years in the U.S. Navy, including two tours in Vietnam during the War, retiring in 1983 as a Petty Officer First Class.

Following his retirement from the Navy, he worked at New Vermont Creamery for a number of years, retiring in 2005 as the manager.

He loved spending time coaching youth sports teams in Bristol and Warren, including Bristol Pop Warner Football, King Philip Little League, Warren Little League and CYO Basketball. He liked playing darts, was an avid golfer, playing in the Knights of Columbus League for a number of years, and played men’s softball for both Navy and Bristol men’s softball leagues.  

Family was the most important thing to him. He truly loved his children and grandchildren with every part of his being, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. He loved spending time with his children and especially attending the grandchildren’s sporting and school events. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

A character, he would often make up his own vocabulary and he had his special “Dictionary according to Don.”

In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Heather L. Rocha (James) of Rumford, Jason M. Gale (Tracy) of Warren, Bethany L. Gale of Bristol and Jeremy Wallace (Michelle) of Tiverton, who lived with him and his wife for several years. He also leaves seven grandchildren, Hannah and Meghan Johnson, Joshua Gale, Julia Rocha, Matthew and Sarah Gale and Marcus Rocha and grand-dog, Mollie. He is survived by his siblings, Robert and Edward Gale and Barbara Susan Wyman.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Marge Upright, and a brother, Russell Gale.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood St., Bristol. Burial with military honors will follow in The Cremation Garden at North Burial Ground, Hope Street, Bristol.  Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood St., Bristol, RI 02809. For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com.