Donald W. Slongwhite, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at Overlook Masonic Home in Charlton after an illness. He was born in East Princeton, the son of Allen and Martha (Schmidt) Slongwhite and had lived most of his life in Princeton then moved to Rutland, Brookfield and Auburn before settling down in Charlton in 2006.

Donald graduated from Princeton High School and attended Lowell Tech and Worcester Junior College. He served his country and was an aviation metalsmith 3rd class in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Donald went to work with the Mass DPW before becoming a civil engineer for the MDC at Wachusett and Quabbin Reservoirs for many years before retiring in 1985.

Donald was a member of the First Congregational Church of Auburn and was a former member of the First Congregational Church of Princeton for over 50 years. He was a member of the Joel H. Prouty Masonic Lodge in Auburn and the Scottish Rite Bodies of Worcester, Aleppo Temple Shrine in Wilmington and the Worcester County Shrine Club. Donald was a man who loved to work with his hands. Affectionately known as “Birdman”, Donald was well known throughout Worcester County for his wood carved birds. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He leaves his loving wife of 71 years, Carolyn R. (Cooper) Slongwhite; two daughters, Marcia L. Siart of Greenville, SC and Linda E. Babineau of Princeton; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by three brothers, Gordon, Stanley and Allen Slongwhite and a sister, Dorothy Martelli.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A graveside service for Donald will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave., Paxton followed be a memorial service at 11:45 a.m. at the James C. Nicoll, Jr., Chapel at The Overlook, 88 Masonic Home Road, Charlton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central Massachusetts, One Ionic Ave., Worcester, MA 01608.