CONWAY, MA – Donat J. Charest, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 5, 2026, at Charlene Manor in Greenfield following a brief period of declining health.
Born on April 4, 1933, in St. Hermeneglide, Quebec, Donat was the son of Doric and Agnes (Girard) Charest. He was raised and educated in Canada before eventually making his way at the age of 21 to the United States, where he settled in Massachusetts and built a life centered on hard work, family, and community.
On June 28, 1958, he married the love of his life, Rosalie (Welcome) Charest, in Westfield. Together they shared 47 years of marriage until Rosalie’s passing in 2005.
Donat was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family. Throughout his career, he held a variety of jobs, including working as a meat cutter for A&P, a trackman for the Boston & Maine Railroad, and later as a custodian at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He retired from UMass in 1997 at the age of 65.
Following retirement, Donat devoted himself to caring for Rosalie. After her passing, he found great joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. He rarely missed a grandchild’s sporting event and enjoyed family vacations to Maine, White Mountains, and New Jersey. One of his favorite adventures was taking his very first flight at age 77 to Disney World.
Donat was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. He looked forward to family
gatherings throughout the year, from holiday celebrations to the annual family reunions, where he enjoyed reconnecting with loved ones, visiting with friends, and playing his favorite card game, pitch. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and spending time at the South County Senior Center playing Bingo and cards. Family was always at the center of his life and brought him his greatest happiness.
Donat gave to his community by being a member of the Knights of
Columbus, Conway Sportsman Club, South Deerfield Polish American Citizens’ Club, and he was leader in the local Boy Scouts Troop. In addition to his wife, Rosalie, Donat was predeceased by his brothers, Ernest and Alfred “Pete” Charest, and his sister, Rita Kelly.
He leaves behind his loving children, Paul Charest and his wife, Steffany, of Conway; Denise Binette of Florence; John Charest and his wife, Tracy, of South Deerfield; and Donald Charest and his wife, Kelly, of Deerfield. He was the proud grandfather of Stephen, Amanda, and Melissa Binette; Jacob, Brooke, and Lucas Charest; and the delighted great-grandfather of Noah Rouse. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Donat will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, gentle nature, and unwavering love for his family.
Funeral services will be held Thursday November 19, 2026 at St Marks Church in Conway at 10 am. Burial will follow at Howland Cemetery. CZELUSNIAK FUNERAL HOME IS IN CHARGE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Conway Ambulance, Attn: Director Gemma Vanderheld, P.O. Box 240 or the Conway Sportsman Club, Attn: Michelle Harris, P.O. Box 202, both of Conway, MA, 01341. Please go to Czelusnaikfuneralhome.com for online condolences
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