Donald W. Lemieux

Donald “Don” “Donny” W. Lemieux, 65, of Gardner, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 29, 2022.

Born in Fitchburg on November 9, 1956, he was the son of Donald L. and Jeannette (Mitchel) Lemieux of Fitchburg. He graduated from St. Bernard’s High School of Fitchburg with the Class of 1974, a Post Graduate year at Cushing Academy of Ashburnham, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Springfield College of Springfield with the Class of 1979.

At the time of his death, Don was the Owner and Head Coach for Greenwood Swimming of Worcester, and Gardner for over 40-years. He played an instrumental role in shaping young men and women into becoming successful swimmers, including 16 Olympic Trial Qualifiers and Olympic Medalists. His coaching career was not only defined at Greenwood Swimming, but also at Gardner High School where he previously served as the Girls Swim Coach leading them to 16 State Championships during his tenure. He was previously the Superintendent and Certified Pool Operator of Greenwood Memorial Pool of Gardner for several years.

Don was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish/ Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church of Gardner. Don was a member of the International Swim Coaches Association and the American Swimming Coaches Association. Although coaching was his true passion and calling, he found enjoyment in training and working out. He loved to travel, visiting many places throughout the years. Don was an avid sports fan and was his family’s biggest supporter in their sporting endeavors. His greatest joy in life was his family, treasuring all the special moments throughout the years.

Besides his parents, Don is survived by his wife of 41-years, Patricia A. (Beauregard) Lemieux of Gardner; a son, Donald P. Lemieux and his wife Bridget of Middleboro; a daughter, Tricia L. Bardzak and her husband Gary of Gardner; three grandchildren, Riley and Micah Bardzak, and Brady Lemieux and a grandson on the way; two brothers, Glenn Lemieux and his wife Roberta of Fitchburg, and Craig Lemieux and his wife Julie of Maine; a sister Debra Hagan and her husband Robert of Fitchburg; father and mother-in-law, Chester and Joan Beauregard of Gardner; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 7, 2022, from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA, with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial at Crystal Lake Cemetery, Crystal Lake Avenue Gardner, MA, will be held at a later date.

Calling Hours will be held Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

The family asks that those in attendance please adhere to wearing masks.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Friends in Action, PO Box 866, Durham, NH 03824, or on their website at (www.friendsinactionnh.org). Please reference in memory of Donald Lemieux.