Donald Malcom Berrett

Donald Berrett passed away in his Portsmouth home while asleep in his favorite chair. He slipped away into eternal rest with his wife beside him. Their daughter, Debbie, had just arrived for a visit.

Don is survived by his wife, Sarawyn (Henderson) Berrett, their daughter, Debra Wynne Berrett Legassie, grandson, Connor Wynne Legassie, and son-in-law, Michael Legassie. Also surviving him are his sister, Linda Berrett Rogers, her husband, Charles Rogers, and nieces and nephews. Brother of Sarawyn, John Henderson, and his wife, Nancy, also survive Don.

The son of Malcom and Marion (MacFarlane) Berrett, Don was born in Washington, DC. Shortly after, the family moved to Waylon, Massachusetts, and in 1960, moved to Portsmouth. He was a member of the first graduating class of Portsmouth High School. Don graduated from Delaware State University with degrees in both Physics and Math. Don devoted his career as a Software Engineer.

Don served in the USAF from 1969-1972 as Aircraft Communications Equipment Repairman, Sargent, during the Vietnam War. Duty stations included Biloxi, Mississippi, Dover, Delaware, Mohave, California, and Thule, Greenland.

On September 13, 1969, Don married Sarawyn Henderson from Philadelphia. They were married for almost 57 years.

One of his passions was to be involved in his Church, St. Mary's Episcopal in Portsmouth. As a teenager, he served as an acolyte and played his guitar during periodic Rejoice services. He served on the Vestry, enjoyed working with other Parishioners on the annual Lawn Party, and helped with planning the new Parish Hall. Don also enjoyed helping in the Soup Kitchen each month.

Don was an avid sailor, both a racer and a cruiser. He was a Life Member of the Newport Yacht Club where he served on the Board in various capacities. Don also enjoyed volunteering at the Herreshoff Museum in Bristol. One of his projects there was to rebuild an 1893 steam engine originally on a Herreshoff boat. He loved engines of all kinds, especially tinkering with his cherry red 1965 MGB. This was a passion he had loved sharing with Connor, who also has an engineering mind.

Don had been very involved in the Portsmouth Rotary Club, where he served two terms as President. He was a major organizer of their fundraiser, the Antique Car Show, over Father's Day Weekend.

But most of all, Don loved his family.

All are welcome to join in laying Don to rest at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 324 E Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871, on Friday, 6 February, at 11AM. A brief burial will follow the service and a collation in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to these organizations:

St. Mary's Episcopal Church for the Preservation of the Historic Church, 324 E Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

P.E.O. Foundation-Chapter D-RI Scholarship Fund, PEO Executive Office, 3700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312.

PEO, Chapter D, RI.