Donald A. Chretien

Donald A. Chretien 1948-2010 SPRINGFIELD- Donald A. Chretien, 61, passed away on Friday, May 7, 2010 at home, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Holyoke on July 9, 1948 a son of the late Joseph A. and Marjorie A. (Wilkins) Chretien. Donald is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 25 years, Phyllis M. (Ashford) Chretien; six children, Dennis C. Wassung Jr. and his wife Britta of Bradford, MA, Daniel W. Wassung of Marina del Rey, CA, Major Joseph Chretien and his wife Sheri of Fort Drum, NY, Scott Chretien, Donald Chretien Jr., and Joyce Roy; ten grandchildren; four brothers, Frederick Szaban, and Robert, Thomas, and Anthony Chretien; four sisters, Marjorie Sullivan, Lillian Martin, Susie Chretien, and Janice Barber; and many nieces, nephews and close friends. Besides his parents, Donald was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph Chretien and James Szaban; and two sisters, Laurie and Etta Mae Chretien. Donald was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and cherished spending time with his adored grandchildren, Parker, Cooper, and Sarah. A funeral home service will be held on Wednesday, May 12th at 10 a.m. in the BYRON-KEENAN FUNERAL HOME, 1858 Allen St. with Rites of Committal and burial to follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Road, both in Springfield. Donald's family will receive relatives and friends at the visiting hours on Tuesday, May 11th from 3-7 p.m. at the BYRON-KEENAN FUNERAL HOME. Memorial contributions may be made in Donald's memory to the Mayo Clinic in Florida ( www.mayoclinic.org ) and Baystate Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, c/o Baystate Health Foundation, 280 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01199 or at ( www.baystatehealth.com).In honor of Donald, please consider becoming an organ donor.