Donald S. Gelinas

Donald S. Gelinas, 96, of Hooksett, NH died September 13, 2024 after a short period of declining health.

Born in Manchester on July 27, 1928, he was the son of Amedee and Alice (Allaire) Gelinas. He graduated from St. George Grammar School and St. Joseph High School. He then attended St. Anselm's College.

Donald served 2 years in the Army National Guard prior to serving 38 years in the US Army Reserves.

He was a licensed insurance agent who began his career at Metropolitan life and continued as a private broker through his mid 80’s. Don also owned and ran the Union Bluff Hotel and Driftwood lounge in York Maine for many years.

Don had a great love for animals and cherished the time spent working with his daughter on her farm. He was an avid tennis player and loved to golf along with spending time at the ocean. He loved to swim in the waves into his early 90’s. 

He was predeceased by one son, Stephen Gelinas and his sister, Anita.

Family members include his two sons, Dennis Gelinas of Belize, Michael Gelinas and wife Joanne of Goffstown; his daughter, Jodi Fortier and husband Philip of Candia; his daughter, Stacey Zalenski and husband Thomas of Florida along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don loved his family. 

Visiting hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, corner of North St, will be Friday, September 27th from 10 am to noon, followed by a brief service in the funeral home chapel. A celebration of life will take place at his daughter’s home, following the service. 

Donations may be made in his memory to the NHSPCA, 104 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, NH 03885.

To send an online message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.