Donald Athearn of Derry, N.H. died at his home and surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, Oct. 5. He was 72.

He was born on Feb. 20, 1951 in Lawrence, a son of the late Frederick and Mary Malcolm Athearn. He was raised and educated on Martha’s Vineyard and graduated from the Martha’s Vineyard High School in the class of 1969. He then proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam.

He loved touring on his motorcycle and took great pride in his classic car.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Ann Marie Cote Athearn; two sons, Tad C. Athearn and his partner Melissa Dubois and Scott A. Athearn and his wife Erica; two grandchildren, Evangeline and Elizabeth; his sister, Jean Daigle and her husband Joseph, and her daughter, Sanjana Kumar; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his sister, Judy Athearn.

Calling hours will be held at the Peabody Funeral Home and Crematorium in Derry, N.H. on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Mark the Evangelist Church in Londonderry, N.H. on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, N.H. at 2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

To send condolences please visit peabodyfuneralhome.com.