Donald Belliveau had a life well lived. He was born in Scotch Plains, New Jersey on April 12, 1929. He grew up there with his parents and five brothers, where his father worked as a carpenter and his mother in a school lunch program. Donald was a smart boy and a basketball phenomenon, winning state championships all four years of high school, and receiving full scholarships to Columbia and Princeton. A young man of little means, he chose Seton Hall University, also on scholarship, because it was closer to home and he could continue to work.
After graduating from college, Donald went on to medical school at New York Medical College, and did his residency in orthopedics at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey. A skilled surgeon with many procedural patents to his name, he was a sought-after doctor in his community of Somerville, New Jersey for 10 years.
However, no matter his success, and much to the shock of his colleagues and patients, he and his wife, Madelyn, decided to relocate his practice and six children to the coast of Maine in 1972. Saco, he said, was where he finally felt at home.
Fondly called “Dr. B.,” the people of Saco and Biddeford embraced him and his family, and for 31 years he took care of his community day and night, weekends and holidays, without ever a complaint. Donald was profoundly dedicated to his patients and passionate about his work, even in the last days of his life.
Donald had many loves in his personal life. He loved to travel the world with Madelyn. He loved woodworking and tinkering. He was quick to repair anything broken. He loved his New Holland tractor. Loved his dogs. He had a dry wit and a keen sense of humor. Donald was dedicated to his faith. He was a strong Catholic who never, ever wavered in his beliefs. But most of all he was a very responsible man. He worked hard his whole life, especially for his family. His integrity, modesty, and wisdom have been a model for his children and now for his 10 grandchildren. He will stay close in our hearts and his legacy of decency will live on in us.
He is survived by: his wife of 64 years, Madelyn Bergen Belliveau; children, Cynthia Belliveau, Amy Belliveau, Mark Belliveau, Eric Belliveau, Elizabeth Belliveau and Blanche Belliveau; grandchildren, Alek Antczak, Eva Antczak, Willa Antczak, William Belliveau, Lucy Belliveau, Cecil Gardner, Simon Belliveau, Louise Lyall, Charles Lyall, and Adelaide Lyall; and great grandchildren, Evelyn Antczak, and two unborn due in September and November. Two brothers, Roy Belliveau and Kenneth Belliveau, and their families also survive him.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Most Holy Trinity Church, Good Shepherd Church, in Saco at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017.
To view Donald’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit cotefuneralhome.com
The family wishes to thank all his tender and dedicated caregivers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Catholic Charities Maine (https://www.facebook.com/CatholicCharitiesME/).
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