BLOCK ISLAND, R.I. — Donald Gerard Thimble, 69 of Block Island, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Jan. 10, 2019 after a yearlong battle with Acute Myloid Leukemia.
The son of Joseph and Blanche (Belanger) Thimble. He was born on March 19, 1949 in Biddeford, Maine. He attended schools in Biddeford and graduated in 1967. He recently attended the 50th class reunion.
After graduation he began work as an Apprentice Pipefitter at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, rising to the position of General Foreman Pipefitter. He had the opportunity to travel which provided fond memories throughout his life. He left the Shipyard in 1986 and moved to Block Island where he established a small plumbing business. He also worked for the town of New Shoreham as a Waste Water Inspector, Minimum Housing Inspector and was on the Sewer Commission and Water Committee for 12 years.
In his younger years Don coached a Babe Ruth team and in later years he was very involved in his island community hosting horseshoe tournaments to benefit Block Island Fire and Rescue departments and fundraising events for members of the community. He delighted in his “social” experiences driving an island taxi. He was proud to be a large part of the unique Block Island census which is held every Ground Hog Day.
He was a loving father and grandfather, loved all animals and enjoyed the outdoors, gardening and landscaping.
Don was predeceased by his parents, his brother Richard, sister Shirley, father-in-law Oliver Kent, mother-in-law Therese Kent, brother-in-law Charles Kent and brother-in-law Robert Oliver Kent.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Maggie Kent of Block Island; daughters Lisa Mae of Florida and Jennifer of Maine; his two granddaughters Azia and Alexis of Florida; his brother Bob of Hampton, New Hampshire; and sisters Lucille of Waterboro, Maine and Linda of Portsmouth, New Hampshie. He is also survived by his ex-wife Connie of Florida.
A celebration of life will be held on Block Island as well as his home state of Maine in the spring. Notifications of the celebrations will be advertised at a later date.
In Don’s memory the family is asking for donations to be made in his name to The Block Island Medical Center, PO Box 919, Block Island, RI 02807, The Mary D Fund of Block Island, PO Box 323, Block Island, RI 02807, The Block Island Rescue and Fire Department, PO Box 781, Block Island, RI 02807 and The Block Island Feral Cat Initiative, PO Box 1324, Block Island, RI 02807.
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