Donald Francis Pomer

April 13, 1935 — February 26, 2020

Donald Francis Pomer, age 84, passed away peacefully in his Walpole, Massachusetts home on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 13, 1935, he was the son of the late John F. and Mary (Gangi) Pomer. He was raised in Roslindale and attended Charlestown High School. In February of 1953, Donald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country during the Korean War. He was stationed stateside with the 8th Ammunition Company at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

While on leave in 1955, Donald married his beloved wife, Margaret VanDam, on June 25th in Sacred Heart Church in Roslindale. The young couple returned to Camp Lejeune together, where they made their first home on base, during which time Donald deployed to Puerto Rico for two months. Donald was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in February of 1956, having earned the rank of Sergeant, and he and Margaret returned to Massachusetts, settling in Roslindale. While living in Roslindale and later in West Roxbury, Donald and Margaret welcomed their five children, John, Charles, Donna, Donald, Jr., and Linda.

Upon his return home to Boston, Donald began working alongside his father as a sheet metal contractor at Johnson & Pomer, Inc., in Roxbury, in addition to working part time as a real estate broker. In 1970, Donald and Margaret left the city, moving their young family to the suburban town of Walpole, Massachusetts. As Donald began to take over his father’s sheet metal business, he saw the need to further his own education. He took business courses at Fisher Junior College, where he earned his associate degree. Donald changed careers in 1985, taking a position with Victor Coffee in South Boston, working as a facility maintenance manager until his retirement in 1997.

Throughout his life, Donald loved to travel. When his children were young, he looked forward to camping trips in the summer with his extended family. These camping trips transformed into weekend escapes after Donald purchased his cottage on Lake Winona in Ashland, New Hampshire, however, he never lost the tradition of gathering everyone together ensuring everyone was invited to his cottage. Back at home, Donald enjoyed staying active. In his younger years he was a member of a bowling team in West Roxbury and more recently looked forward to bowling with his two sons in a league in Norwood. He also enjoyed golfing, trying his luck at the casino, going out to dinner, and spending time in his woodshop. While he kept busy, Donald always found time to give back to his community. Back in Roslindale, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and after moving to Walpole, he volunteered his time with Meals on Wheels.

Most of all, Donald was a dedicated family man, who loved being surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He and Margaret celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 25, 2005 with their close friends and family at their son’s home. As his children grew up and purchased their own homes, Donald loved utilizing his handyman skills to help them with various improvements and projects. He was truly delighted at the birth of his grandchildren, always taking the time to cheer for them at athletic competitions and attending their school functions.

Beloved husband of the late Margaret V. (VanDam) Pomer.

Loving father of John Pomer and his wife, Christine, of East Walpole, Charles Pomer of Wrentham, Donna Burke and her partner, Gary Devlin, of Taunton, Donald F. Pomer, Jr. and his wife, Maryann, of Walpole, and Linda Verrochi and her husband, Anthony, of Cumberland, Rhode Island.

Cherished grandfather of Christopher Pomer, Matthew Burke, Ashley Burke, Michael Burke, Courtney Pomer, Samantha Pomer, Scott Verrochi, and Lauren Verrochi.

He is also survived by his many cousins, including Carl Tagliaferro and Barbara Schippers, who were like a brother and sister to him.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Donald’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 from 4 to 8 PM and Wednesday, March 11, 2020 from 9:30 to 10 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Timothy’s Church 650 Nicholas Street, Norwood on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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Donald Francis Pomer

April 13, 1935 — February 26, 2020

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