Donald Allen Setzco

Don was born on August 22, 1946, in Leominster, Massachusetts, to Bernice and Walter Setzco. He grew up alongside his sisters, Jane Setzco Adams (husband Tom), Barbara Setzco Lard (husband John), and Susan Setzco Kobus Walker (husband John), and brother, Howard Setzco.

In 1964, Don joined the United States Navy, serving his country as a radioman RM2/E-5 until 1972. His years in the Navy were just one chapter in a life characterized by curiosity, independence, and hard work.

He went on to raise farm animals and harvest vegetables while managing a manufacturing company to provide for his family. In his retirement he returned to raising animals and, more importantly, devoted much of his time to taking care of some of his grandchildren.

Don loved a challenge. Whether he was hang-gliding, flying Cessnas, scuba diving, raising bees, or breeding bulls, there always seemed to be something new to master. To Don, a new challenge was simply another opportunity to learn. Among his greatest joys was scuba diving and teaching his children to dive alongside him.

For all the places he lived and all the adventures he pursued, some things always brought him back to his New England roots. Nothing could beat a good old-fashioned New England clam bake. No matter how far he traveled, he always came home for that.

Donald was the father of eight children: Anthony, Brandon, Arianna, Walter, Stephen, Kyle, Janelle, and Joe. Grandfather to Felicia, Clayton, Madison, Vanessa, Ryann, Lilian, Bronwyn, Brohden, Caitlin, and Donald, and great-grandfather to Kameron, Kayleb, Savannah, and Skyler.

Don leaves behind a large family and a lifetime of stories—the animals he raised, the places he lived, the things he built and learned, the adventures he took, and the lessons he passed along. His life was full, unconventional, and rarely boring. Most of all, Donald's legacy lives on in the generations of family he helped raise and in the curiosity he encouraged in those around him: there was always something else to learn, another challenge to tackle, and another adventure worth having.