Donald B. Davis Sr., 74, Loved Sharing His Island

Donald Bruce Davis Sr. of Edgartown, formerly of Philadelphia, Pa., died at his home on December 4. He was 74.

Donald was born March 20, 1930 to the late Anna N. and Benjamin B. Davis. He was the youngest of four siblings.

In 1953 he married Jean C. Anderson of Philadelphia. Together they had three children; two daughters and a son. Donald and Jean loved to travel throughout their 38-year marriage. They first visited the Vineyard close to thirty years ago and fell in love with all the charm this Island holds.

From tourist to seasonal to permanent resident, Donald viewed and called the Island his home. After the death of his wife, Donald memorialized her with a commemorative light pole in the heart of Edgartown at the intersection of Main and Summer streets.

With his trademark pipe in hand, Donald enjoyed many pastimes all over the Island. Some of these pastimes included walking along the nature trails, sitting for cool breezes at Katama flats, cruising the many sounds and sights of Circuit avenue, watching for the sunsets and barbecuing with his children and grandchildren at Menemsha dock. Many afternoons and evenings, Donald could be found sitting and people-watching at the Oak Bluffs ferry dock and soldier statue. One of his favorite passions was getting to every library on the Vineyard. Reading and knowledge was very important to Donald and he was diligent in getting his books on tape. As a water lover all his life, Donald enjoyed fishing with his son and grandson as well as clamming and being on the beach with his grandchildren.

Donald looked forward to and loved sharing "his' Island with all the family and friends who would visit. Although Donald enjoyed a quiet solitary life here on the Vineyard, he touched the lives of many people who knew or came in contact with him.

He is survived by three children, Deborah Lee Davis, Donald Bruce Davis Jr., and Dorene Lesley Davis; a daughter in law, Shelley R. Davis; two grandchildren, Catherine Lisa Davis and Donald Bruce Davis 3rd; one sister, Diana Garrett; one brother in law, Norris W. Anderson Sr.; four sisters in law, Polly A. Mattison, Dr. Ruth Anderson, Vivian P. Anderson and Pearl B. Anderson; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

According to his wishes he was cremated and services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home.