PORTLAND – Donald Henry Burkill “Don or Gramps” passed away on Jan. 29, 2021 living to almost 101. He had lived happily in his home with his beloved wife Catherine for 70 years.

Don was born on March 1, 1920 in Greenfield, Mass. the son of Leo Burkill and Hazel (Choquette) Burkill. Don and his family lived through the depression years. At that time, he and his family survived by doing odd jobs.

After graduating from Greenfield High School, Don enlisted in the Navy. He enjoyed “peacetime” Navy traveling to exotic ports around the world. When WWII broke out Don served on two different destroyers: USS Knapp and USS Trippe (tins cans) in the South Pacific for the entire war. Miraculously, he met up with his brother-in-law, Greg Reilly, who was serving on another ship in the South Pacific.

Don raised through the ranks to chief petty officer and received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, numerous campaign medals. He was extremely proud of his two grandsons, Kevin McLellan and Derek MacLearn, who served proudly in the U.S. Army. Don participated in Honor Flight with Kevin McLellan. When Dad’s ship came into Portland Harbor for overhaul, he met and fell in love with Catherine C. Reilly and they were married before he shipped out.

After retiring from the Navy Don made his home in Portland with his wife Catherine for 68 years. He worked for USPS for 35 years in many positions with his favorite being the Passport Division. He also worked at Maine Turnpike Authority with son, Daniel.

Don had many lifelong passions. especially traveling. He and Catherine traveled to Spain many times to the apartment they co-owned with sister and brother-in-law, Gerry and Bob Oates. They also traveled with his beloved sister “Millie” and brother-in-law, Lefty Scannell.

In his later years, he was thrilled to travel twice to Ireland and Great Britain with daughters, Mary and Tess in his mid-90s. Another favorite pass time was monthly outings with daughter, Mary, sister, Millie and beloved niece, Mary Elizabeth. In addition, Don enjoyed many precious times with his #1 granddaughter, Cathy, grandsons, Big E (Edward), David and Derek.

Of his many talents, Don was a great gardener and woodworker. He provided great joy by giving his hand made birdhouses to his grandchildren. He loved to be around his family during clambakes, barbeques, and the holidays. In fact, a surprise celebration of Don’s life was held at DiMillo’s for his 100th birthday with over 60 guests attending. Also, among his many talents, Don very much enjoyed researching family genealogy.

He is predeceased by his wife Catherine C. Reilly (Burkill); and brother, Arthur Burkill.

Donald is survived by son, Daniel M. Burkill and wife Pam of Lewiston, daughters, Mary E. Smith of Portland, and Theresa A. MacLearn of Ashland; sister, Mildred E. Scannell; and nieces, Mary E. Scannell of Holden, Mass., Katherine Reny and family; Bob Scannell and family; sister-in-law, Anna Reilly of Clearwater Fla.; greatly missed and loved by grandchildren, Edward Turner and partner Pam of Saco, Catherine and husband Brian McLellan of Scarborough, David and wife Christine Turner of Poland. Derek and wife Sarah MacLearn of Ashland, and Samuel MacLearn of Portland; great-grandchildren, Nicolas and wife Katie McLellan of Limerick, Kevin and wife Lindselyee McLellen of Buxton, Nathan McLellan of Sanford, Joseph and Rylee Turner of Saco, Kylre Turner of Standish, Killian and Rian Turner of Poland, Rebecca and husband Averell Luedecker of Bangor, Andre, Owen and Maggie MacLearn of Ashland; great-great-grandchildren, Bentley Turner and Evelyl McLellan.

Due to Covid-19 limitations, a private graveside service with Navy Honors took place at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.

The family would like to thank the staff at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for the exceptional care Don and his family received.

You may share your condolences and memories at http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to your favorite charity.

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