Donald Vigeant

OXFORD - Don Vigeant passed away with his family by his side on Saturday, August 29, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Worcester, son of the late Alphonse and Cecile L. Vigeant. He leaves behind his wife Linda; three sons Joseph and his wife Laura, James and his wife Joey, and Michael and his wife Susan; and four grandchildren Caitlin, Natalie, Joseph, Jr., and Danielle. He also leaves behind a sister, Cecile M. Vigeant and many nieces and nephews and his Park Street kids. As a teen, Don worked at the Oxford Drive-In, where he met the love of his life, Linda. Together for almost 50 years, they created a warm and welcoming home where they would entertain friends and family for many parties, holiday gatherings, or periodic visits. Don graduated from Worcester Boys' Trade where he studied to be a machinist. Professionally, Don started as a machinist and later became a traveling sales/service representative for Gould & Eberhart. However, in 1971 he was able to start his career with the Oxford Police Department. Policing was his passion and he proudly served the people of Oxford 26 years, retiring for medical reasons in 1997. While with the Police Department, he was able to pass on his knowledge to other officers as both an instructor in various fields and as the Armorer. After retiring, Don pursued his contracting license and started a small business with his son Joe. With J&D Contracting, Don completed many home repairs, but was most skilled in finish work because of his acute attention to detail. Unable to lose the passion he had for policing, he found a way to use his policing knowledge when he found his retirement job with the Security Department at Mapfre Insurance Co. where he worked for 5 years. Don has been a member of many groups and organizations including the Oxford Police Association, Southern Worcester County Police, Mass C.O.P., the NRA, and was a 45-year member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4241 and a lifelong member of St. Ann's Church. Don was a member of the Blue Knights Mass Chapter XV, where he served in roles as both president and treasurer. The Blue Knights allowed Don to merge some of his favorite activities, the company of friends and family and his enthusiasm for motorcycles. Don enjoyed fishing, hunting, card games (especially cribbage), and his trips to the casino. He was most relaxed on his motorcycle riding the country roads or travelling with his wife. Don's family would like to thank the VNA of Southern Worcester County, especially Nancy for all the personalized love and care she gave as well as the providers from Central MA Hospice. A funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2015, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Ann's Church, 652 Main St., North Oxford. Burial will follow at North Cemetery in Oxford. Calling hours are Tuesday, September 1, 2015, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VNA of Southern Worcester County, 191 Pakachoag St., Auburn, MA 01501, or to the Blue Knights MA XV, P.O. Box 132, North Oxford, MA 01537.