Donald Herbert LaVange
February 14, 1936 – July 13, 2025

Donald Herbert LaVange was born on February 14, 1936, in Cohasset, Massachusetts, to Virginia F. (Davis) and Cecil H. LaVange. He is preceded in death by his parents and his children Kristen LaVange Gardner, Michael Duso, and Joan Savage.

He is survived by his beloved wife Pauline LaVange (Fontaine); the mother of his children, Barbara DiLiddo; his two sisters, Dorothy Brown and Diane Gallagher; and his children: Donald (Dorise) LaVange of Pleasant Grove, Utah; Kathleen (Robert) Randall of North Attleboro, Massachusetts; Nancy Beaman (Laurie Lee Hall) of Crestwood, Kentucky; Brenda Patterson of Berwyn, Illinois; and Pauline's children: Lorraine Barr of Franklin, New Hampshire; Sharon Duso of Francis, Utah; Diane Whipple of Foster, Rhode Island; Susan Meade (Donald) of Blackstone, Massachusetts; Deborah Duso of Cumberland, Rhode Island; their combined 35 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

He served in the United States Marine Corps. Professionally, he worked for 46 years for Polytop Corporation, where he rose to the position of Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In 2005, he was honored as Man of the Year by the National Association of Container Distributors.

Donald appreciated good food and fine wine. He was a gifted photographer. He loved traveling to France with his wife Pauline where they rode a tandem bicycle through the countryside. He enjoyed listening to classical music and meeting with friends. Donald was a master gardener who delighted in sharing his prized tomatoes with family and friends. He was forever learning, with a deep passion for genealogy and history. Donald was charming, with a warm smile. He was generous.

Above all, he was devoted to the love of his life, Pauline, for 42 years. He embraced Pauline's children as his own and loved their blended family. His grandchildren will always remember how he made time for them individually, and made them feel special. His children feel immensely grateful for his gentle nature, and for making their childhood safe, fun, and happy. Donald's presence was a gift, and his legacy of kindness, wisdom, and love will live on in all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to visiting hours on Sunday, July 20, 1:00 - 3:00 PM at O'Neill Funeral Home, 3102 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI.

The funeral and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hope Hospice and Palliative Care , 1085 N. Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.