Obituary

US National Guard

DONALD B. GREENLAW - in Woburn, suddenly, January 30th. Beloved husband of Sheila (Joyce) Greenlaw. Devoted father of Donald B. Greenlaw, Jr. of N. Woodstock, NH, and his longtime partner, Lisa Ash. Dear brother-in-law of Dan and Beverly Joyce of Westford, Maureen and Jack Noble of Winchester, and the late Brenda Joyce. Also survived by ten loving nieces and nephews, many grandnieces and nephews, and one great-grandnephew. A funeral service will be held in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Wednesday, February 3rd at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours are Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. Interment is private. Donations may be made in Don's memory to MSPCA-Angell, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 (www.mspca.org), or to the charity of one's choice.

View Online Memorial

OBITUARY:

Donald B. Greenlaw of Woburn passed away suddenly late Saturday afternoon, January 30th, at Winchester Hospital after having been stricken at his home. The beloved husband of Sheila (Joyce) Greenlaw for over fifty-two years, he was seventy-seven years of age.

Born in Cambridge, son of the late Harold E. and Florence M. (Carter) Greenlaw, he grew up in Medford and graduated from Medford High School with the Class of 1950. Following his graduation, he joined the National Guard and served for many years, retiring as a Captain.

Following the completion of his education at Boston University, Don succeeded his father as the Eastern representative for Chicago Steel and Wire. After retiring in 1981, he worked at a variety of jobs, most notably in the Woburn Public Schools. Together with Dr. Dan Hannan, he was instrumental in wiring the entire school system for computers. He subsequently worked under the new Director of Technology for the schools, Barbara Henry, until just a few years ago. Don also enjoyed his part time job as a courier, delivering packages for local companies.

Don and his wife Sheila married in 1957 and lived in Reading for a few years before taking up residence in Woburn. Raised as a conservative Republican, Don became a "born-again Democrat" in more recent years. In the 1960's he served as the youngest chairman of the Woburn Republican Committee, and was deeply involved in Republican politics. He also served on the Cable Commission for the city. An independent thinker, he was passionate in his beliefs and loved a good debate, but even after a fiery discussion he had the knack of being able to put disagreements aside.

A man of many talents, Don was versatile in all areas of woodworking and construction. He was lovingly referred to as "Bang Bang" by his grandnieces and nephews, whose parents often called upon Uncle Don to make household repairs. He was also a great cook whose hollandaise sauce was legendary, and loved to host holiday dinners for friends and family.

An avid sportsman who was willing to try anything, Don loved skiing, most often at Waterville, New Hampshire, and taught many children his own unique style of skiing. He also loved sailing, often singlehandedly, in his 30 foot sailboat, "Lancer," out of Boston Yacht Club in Marblehead, and was a pretty good tennis player. He was an aficionado of classical music and, until recently, regularly attended open rehearsals for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Don was a great lover of animals, and always had a pet in his home.

Don and his wife Sheila loved traveling, often with other couples, and enjoyed wonderful trips to Europe, the Orient, and Canada. A favorite destination was Bermuda, where they journeyed nearly every year since their honeymoon fifty-two years ago. A highlight for Don was being able to ride scooters everywhere during their time on the island. Family was most important to him, and he was happiest when he was spending time with them.

Along with his wife Sheila, he leaves his son, Donald B. Greenlaw, Jr. and his longtime partner, Lisa Ash, of N. Woodstock, New Hampshire. He was also the dear brother-in-law of Dan and Beverly Joyce of Westford, Maureen and Jack Noble of Winchester, and the late Brenda Joyce, and the beloved uncle of ten nieces and nephews, many grandnieces and nephews, and one great-grandnephew.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Wednesday, February 3rd at 11 a.m. Interment will be private.

Calling hours at the funeral home are on Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m.

Donations may be made in Don's memory to MSPCA-Angell, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 (www.mspca.org), or to the charity of one's choice.