Former Merchant Marine, Donald Royce Elderkin, of Cumberland, Passes at 69
J.J. Duffy Funeral Home
Former Merchant Marine, Donald Royce Elderkin, of Cumberland, Passes at 69
He was the beloved husband of Kelley A. (Davis) Elderkin and they had been married for the past 27 years.
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Donald A. and Barbara S. (Hurd) Elderkin. He resided in Cumberland since 2004, previously residing in Warwick.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHe attended the Massachusetts Maritime College earning his Bachelor's Degree. He later received his Masters's Degree in Advanced Officer Training.
Mr. Elderkin was employed as a Merchant Marine for many years, retiring in 2013.
Donald was a member of the Trinity Church in Pawtuxet Village. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, but most of all spending time with his grandchildren. Those who love him will remember his kindness, unyielding faith in God, and his true faith that he would be going on to something better. Don did not fear death and looked forward to his next adventure. His only regret was leaving those he loved behind.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his two daughters, Meaghan P. Knowlton and her husband Kris of North Scituate, and Emily K. Grigos and her husband Isaiah of Westminster, MA; his two sisters, Christine Sollitto of Warwick and J. Sara Tyler of Bangor, ME; his three grandchildren, Holden, Elsa, and Hazel; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at a later date. Please check back to the funeral home website, jjduffyfuneralhome.com for updates.
Memorial Donations may be made in his memory to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Donald Royce Elderkin, please click here to visit the Sympathy Store.