Donald E. Hamilton

Mr. Donald E. Hamilton, of Newton, died Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was 78. 

Born in Newton on October 1, 1944, Don was the eldest son of the late Edward and Patricia (Carter) Hamilton. He was raised and educated in Waltham and a graduate of Waltham High School.

One of Don's simple pleasures in life was sharing meals with his family. They often gathered at his favorite spot, the Wayside Inn, where he savored every meal accompanied by cup after cup of his usual drink– black coffee with just a little cream. Furthermore, Don had a sweet tooth, which he has passed down to the younger generations, and delighted in indulging in ice cream and strawberry shortcake.  He also took great pride in making sure that the curb appeal of his house was always top-notch, ensuring that everything from the flags to the flowers looked impeccable. Whether he was driving for work or on his way to the supermarket to find the week's best deals, he always had the radio on tuned to golden oldies music. He loved Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, and Jimmy Buffett just to name a few, and he even got to see some of his other favorites in concert over the years, like Tony Bennett and the Bronx Wanderers. After a long day at work, Don would be greeted by his beloved dogs, Peanut and Bella, and would unwind by watching his favorite classic television shows and movies, like "The Three Stooges" and "Smokey and the Bandit."  

Don was strong-willed and possessed an unyielding sense of loyalty and love for his family. His proudest accomplishments in life were undeniably his family and his impeccable work ethic. His career led him to become a dedicated member of the UAW and a maintenance technician at General Motors for over 30 years. Don later embarked on a career driving for Veterans Taxi, which unfortunately came to an end due to the pandemic. However, undeterred and not knowing the meaning of "retirement," he stayed on, driving for First Call where he continued to serve others and provide for his family.