Donald Charles Paige, 80, a longtime resident of Keene, passed away peacefully on Sept. 2, 2025, while in hospice care in Media, Pa. In 2024 he had relocated to Pennsylvania with his wife, who cared for him heroically before he moved to an assisted living home.
Don was born on Oct. 12, 1944, in Keene, the ninth of 10 children of Harry O. Paige Sr. and Hazel Paige (Snow) of West Swanzey, where he was raised. He graduated from Keene High School in 1962.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Opal Jane Cheverier Paige, and their two children, Paula Rodgers (Andy) of Media, Pa., and Timothy Paige of Greer, S.C.; along with five grandchildren, Paige, Drew, Nathan, Joshua Rodgers, and Madison Paige. He is also survived by his brother, Robert "Bobby" Paige, of Keene; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.
He was predeceased by his parents, and eight siblings, Richard, Harry Jr., Edward and Frederick, Marion Chamberlin, Martha Fish, Barbara Peirce and Carole Rockwell.
In his youth, Don was a member of the Scarlet Marauders Drum and Bugle Corps and the West Swanzey Athletic Association. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1968 and married in 1966.
Don spent his prime working years as a computer operator and data processing manager for Wetterau Foods and Kingsbury Machine in Keene. Later in life, he worked in home health care, assisted with funerals and delivered auto parts.
He loved singing worship songs and listening to country and gospel music. He had an uncanny memory for dates and numbers including World War II and American presidential facts. Don also enjoyed Boston sports, particularly when shared with his son, Tim.
Throughout his life, Don was deeply committed to his faith and active in his church, the Keene Assembly of God. He regularly read and studied the Bible and faith-based books, taught Sunday school, led worship and Royal Rangers in his younger years, and humbly shared the gospel of Jesus and the hope of eternal life. He was gifted in prayer and often called upon to conduct funerals, give eulogies and speak at family gatherings.
He was a kind, loving and loyal husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed and remembered with love.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Keene Assembly of God Church, 121 Park Ave., Keene, followed by visitation and a luncheon reception. A graveside ceremony will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Pine Street in West Swanzey that day at 3 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Keene Assembly of God or the Alzheimer's Association.