Donald P. Doroni was a father, brother, uncle and son who is most remembered for his sense of humor, infectious laugh and love of bowling.
Known as Donnie to his family, he was the second of four siblings who grew up in Marshfield, Massachusetts and spent his early adulthood working there alongside his father in the family masonry business. He was a father of three and enjoyed participating in his children's school and extracurricular activities. He was an avid Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Patriots fan. He loved to dance and travel. His passion for bowling led him later in life to be the manager of Sammy Whites Brighton Bowl, where he also competed in Candlepin Bowling tournaments.
It was while working at Sammy Whites on September 22, 1980, where Don and three other men were each handcuffed, bludgeoned, and shot to death. $4,800 was stolen from the bowling alley's safe. The perpetrator, Bryan A. Dyer, had worked at Sammy Whites several years earlier, but did not know any of his victims. He was sentenced to serve four consecutive terms of life in prison without eligibility for parole. The fact that he was never eligible for parole was of great comfort to our family throughout the years. Dyer died in prison in May 2011.
Don's family is greatly saddened that his life was cut short at the age of 41 and that our lives have been defined more by his death than by his life. He never had the chance to witness the graduations and marriages of his children, birth of his four grandchildren, or to continue to touch so many people with his humor. He was liked by all who met him and sorely missed by all who loved him.
Jan 7, 1939 - Sep 22, 1980