J. Donald 'Don' Jacobson

WORCESTER - J. Donald “Don” Jacobson, 85, died peacefully at home on Friday, August 18, 2017 with his loving family by his side.  Don was born in Clinton, a son of Hyman and Betty (Farber) Jacobson and lived in Worcester most of his life.  Don attended Commerce High School after which he enlisted in the Navy, where he served on the U.S.S. Navy Destroyer Newman K. Perry during the Korean War.  Don worked for Atlas Distributing for 25 years as a Sales Representative, retiring at the age of 62. Don was a former member of Temple Emanuel and Congregation Beth Israel of Worcester.  He was also a 32nd degree Mason and a 50-year member of Caleb Butler Lodge of Masons of Ayer and the Scottish Rite Bodies of Worcester.  Don was a proud member and past Commander of the Jewish War Veterans Irving Yarock Post #32 of Worcester and a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He will be affectionately missed and remembered by his wife of 61 years, Carole (Jacobs) Jacobson whom he married at Temple Emanuel; a daughter, Laura Jacobson of Holden; a son, Robert Jacobson and his wife Julie, of Paxton; a granddaughter, Alyssa and her husband, Michael Doggett of Georgia; two sisters, Gayle Lieberman and her husband, Marshall, and Susan Levenson, all of Florida; a sister-in-law, Ina Parry of Georgia; and a brother-in-law, Harris Jacobs of Worcester.  Don also leaves many nieces and nephews including those with whom he shared a special bond: Michael and Monica Thomas, David and Kristie Thomas and Scott and Sarah Bondi.  He was predeceased by his grandson, Matthew Jacobson. Despite the past few years of declining health, Don never complained and kept a great attitude.  Don’s family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the medical team at St. Vincent Hospital and Reliant Medical Group for their outstanding and compassionate care. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 21, at Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester under the direction of Richard Perlman of Miles Funeral Home of  Holden.  Burial will follow in Mooreland Cemetery, Richards Avenue, Paxton. Memorial Observance will take place at his residence on Monday, August 21 from 4:00 until 7:00 pm, continuing on Tuesday, August 22 from 2:00 until 7:00 pm with a Minyan service on both days at 6:30 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Healthcare Center, 629 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.