Donald E. Willoughby (“Don”), 83, of Centerville, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Cape Cod Hospital. He was the loving husband of Linda (Stetson) Willoughby, with whom he shared 56 wonderful years of marriage.
Don was born on Oct. 15, 1942, in Edgartown to parents Marjorie (O’Shea) from County Kerry, Ireland, and Emory Willoughby of Edgartown. He grew up on Martha’s Vineyard, and was in the first graduating class of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. Following high school, Don proudly served his country as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Following his time in the service, he went on to earn his associate’s degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, and later a degree from MassBay Community College in Framingham.
Don and Linda married on Feb. 14, 1970, and the couple started their life together in Marlboro and Framingham, where he held the position of service manager at Annis Morrill Volkswagen for several years. The family transitioned to Osterville, and later Centerville on Cape Cod, where Don was very successful and held the position of territory manager for New England for W.W. Grainger, in what would be his lifelong career in sales, until his retirement in 2011.
Don was an outdoorsman, enjoying camping and fishing. He was active, and played in a local softball league for many years. He loved cars, and could often be found working on the family vehicles in the garage. He was also a craftsman who did woodworking as a hobby, even making furniture and Christmas ornaments. He could often be found tinkering in his shop — always creating or fixing something. He held Red Sox season tickets, and attended many games over the years.
Don had a warm, friendly, and engaging personality. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and was famous for always making quick, funny remarks that were totally spot-on and hilarious. He had a great talent for bringing humor and laughter to any gathering. More than anything, Don is remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Don loved Elvis, Dunkin’ coffee, turkey with all the fixings, coffee/chocolate chip flurries (“flubbies”) from Par-T-Freeze, fishing, “golden oldies” on the radio, orange soda, ’57 Chevys, the Red Sox, Grainger products, playing poker with the same guys for 40 years, “Let it Ride” at Foxwoods, coffee frappe, camping, chicken wings — and his family.
Don is survived by his wife, Linda L. Willoughby of Mashpee; his daughter, Caitlin J. Willoughby and her husband Jared M. Smith of Plymouth; his son, Kyle B.T. Willoughby of West Yarmouth; his grandchildren, Brendan M. Smith and Abigail J. Smith of Plymouth; his brother, George A. Willoughby of Fort Meyers, Fla.; his sister, Kathleen J. Wray and her husband William, of Edgartown; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 10 am to noon, with a celebration of life to follow at noon at Chapman Funerals, 74 Algonquin Ave. (Route 151) in Mashpee.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory can be made to CHIPS house, c/o Willoughby, 9 Park Ave., Centerville, MA 02632, or online at chipshouse.org.
For online guestbook and directions, please visit chapmanfuneral.com.
