Obituary: Donald Arthur Stokes
PORTLAND — Donald Arthur Stokes, a devoted educator who spent nearly four decades shaping the lives of students in Maine's public schools, died June 10. He was 98.
Stokes, known to friends and family as Don, passed away at The Atrium at the Cedars, where he had lived since 2015. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death.
Born in Westbrook on February 19, 1928, Stokes was the son of Donald M. Stokes and Sylvia Breton Stokes. He graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School before earning his bachelor's degree from Gorham State Teachers' College in 1952. He continued his education at the University of Maine Orono, receiving a master's degree in Education Administration in 1956, and later completed a Certificate of Advanced Study in Education at the University of Connecticut.
Following his studies, Stokes served his country as a World War II Army veteran, stationed at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.
It was during his graduate studies at the University of Maine Orono that Stokes met Juliette "Julie" Bellegarde, who would become his wife. The couple married on August 27, 1957, at Holy Family Church in Lewiston. They shared 63 years of marriage until Juliette's death in 2021.
Stokes launched his teaching career at Eliot High School before the family relocated to Connecticut, where he served as a teacher and administrator at Eastern Junior High in Greenwich. The family later moved to Taunton, Massachusetts, where Stokes served as principal of Raynham Junior High School.
In 1968, seeking to be closer to family in Maine, the Stokes family returned to Scarborough. Don Stokes continued his distinguished career in the Portland school district, teaching at Lincoln Middle School before becoming assistant principal at Deering High School, a position he held from 1969 to 1974. He was then appointed principal of King Middle School, serving in that role until his retirement in 1988.
Throughout his career, Stokes was recognized for his commitment to education. In 1968, he was selected by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in a study mission to Eastern Europe. He served as both National Middle School Chairman and President of the Maine Secondary Principals' Association, and was honored as an Administrator of National School Excellence.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Stokes remained an avid sports fan throughout his life. He coached numerous teams and, after retirement, coached in the JC Best Summer Basketball League. He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Providence College Friars basketball team.
Stokes was also active in his community, serving as a member of the Lions' Club in both Scarborough and Falmouth.
Following his retirement, Stokes and his wife enjoyed traveling to Europe and Bermuda, spending winters in Florida, and doting on their grandchildren. When Stokes and Julie moved to The Atrium at the Cedars in Portland in 2015, they became deeply involved in the facility's activities and programs. Don served on numerous boards and committees there.
Stokes is survived by his daughter, Janet Brosnan of Holyoke, Massachusetts, and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and her husband, John. His grandchildren include Conor Brosnan and his wife, Caroline, and Kiera Brosnan, all of Boston, Massachusetts. Kiera graduated from Providence College. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Claire Callahan and Monique Patenaude and her husband, Raymond, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and their spouses.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, June 17, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited in the chapel at 10:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Church, Scarborough. A private burial will be held at a later date.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, or to the charity of one's choice.
