Donald Bingham
Wareham, Mass. — It is with sadness we announce the passing of Donald C. Bingham, 83, of Wareham, on Sunday, May 20, 2018.
Don was born in South Boston in 1934 and later moved to Brockton, Mass., with his late parents, Elizabeth (Prentiss) Bingham and Clyde Anderson Bingham and his six siblings. He grew up in Brockton and spent his formative years at the Brockton YMCA. Don graduated in 1953 from Brockton High School and in 1954 married his high school sweetheart, Gayle T. Willis. Don graduated with honors in 1965 from Northeastern University earning a bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on physical education. Following graduation he began his dedicated 34-year career with the YMCA where he held executive positions in New London, Brockton and Greater Boston. In 2012, Don was honored with the Lifetime Achievement award from the YMCA.
Don was a sports enthusiast, completing five marathons, including three Boston Marathons, and later cheering on children and grandchildren in sporting events all over New England. He was an artist at heart, expressing his creativity through design, building, photography, cooking and painting. Don balanced large objects on his chin, ran road races, sailed to Bermuda, cut down huge trees, ate lobster and built things with many friends. Don’s most lasting accomplishment may have been the loyalty, love and devotion he shared with his wife and the love of his life for more than 64 years.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Gayle (Willis) Bingham; their children, Donald C. Bingham Jr. (Fran Caras), Denise DeSousa (Victor), Darlene Missios (late Charles), Debra Bingham (Chuck Chandler), and Doreen Conley (William); sister, Barbara Wallster (Elmer), brother, Albert Bingham (Daryl McDermott), brother, Richard Bingham (Pat), sister, Bonnie Dalton, brother, Kenneth Bingham (Pat); 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; loved brother and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his mother and father-in-law, Raymond and Thelma Willis; sister, Janice Rench; and beloved granddaughter, Heather Bingham.
The family welcomes all to calling hours from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, in Waitt Funeral Home, 850 N. Main St., Brockton, Mass. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, in Waitt Funeral Home and burial at Coweeset Cemetery, Brockton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Don’s name to Old Colony Y Scholarship Campaign, 320 Main St., Brockton, MA or The Friends of the East Bridgewater Commercial Club, 1 Nielsen Ave., East Bridgewater, MA 02333.