TEMPLETON, MA – Donald D. Ziminski, age 87, of Templeton, died on Februyary 13, 2026 at home with his loving family by his side.
He leaves his wife of 61 years, Kathie (Haughton) Ziminski of Templeton, a son, Kurt D. Ziminski and his wife, Tanya, a daughter, Maureen J. Ziminski, and a granddaughter, Olivia Ziminski. He also leaves hissister in law, Emelda Haughton, and nephews, Reginald Haughton Jr., and Gregory Haughton and their families, nieces, Colleen Richard and Denise Johnson and their families, cousins, Karen, Daniel, Rachel and Leah Ziminski, and Peter and John Gordon. He also leaves his special friends, Sandy White and Bob Peterson.
He was born April 8, 1938 in Gardner, MA, the son of the late Irene (Keyes)(Ziminski) LeBlanc and the late Victor Ziminski. His beloved step-father was the late Gilbert LeBlanc.
He lived in Athol for many years, graduating from Athol High School in 1957. He attended Paul Smith College in New York, and Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner. He also lived in Phillipston for 35 years before moving to Templeton.
He was a 6 year veteran of the U.S. Army serving primarily in Germany. Prior to the Army he worked at the Minute Tapioca in Orange, MA. Returning from active duty, he worked at the L. S. Starrett Company for 37 years retiring in 2000.
He loved all sports, including hunting, bowling, fishing (especially trout fishing), golf and was an avid water and snow skier. He snow skied for 75 consecutive years.
In his youth, he was very involved in the sports programs at the YMCA under the leadership of Johnny Johnstone and Chuck Stone. Later in life, he coached youth basketball at the YMCA in Athol and Little Legue in Phillipston.
He was a 25 year member of the Athol Congregational Church, Life Member of the Athol-Orange Lodge of Elks and a member of the American Legion Orange Post #172.
He and his wife travelled through Europe, the Caribbean, Canadian Rockies and around the United States.
Besides being predeceased by his parents and step-father, he was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Reginald Haughton Sr., his cousins Joyce Gordon and Richard Ziminski, special friend Ken White.
Services will be on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Witty’s Funeral Home in Orange, MA, with a calling hour from 10-11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m.
The family would like to thank Care Central VNA nd Hospice for their outstanding care and support.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Athol Area YMCA, 545 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331, Athol Congregational Church, 1225 Chestnut Street, Athol, MA 01331, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
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