Donald A. Sepe Sr.

Donald "Don" Alexander Sepe Sr. 76 of Johnston, formerly of Providence died peacefully and unexpectedly at his home on Friday April 15, 2022. Born in Providence on May 5,1945 he was the son of the late Antoinette (Portanova) and Carmine Sepe Sr.  He was the beloved husband of Susan E. (McMahon) Sepe and the proud father of Donald A. Sepe Jr. and wife Denise, Karen M. McMahon and husband Kenneth, Patricia A. Baird, and companion John Cortellessa, and her late husband Robert Baird Jr., Jason A. McMahon and wife Christina and his youngest child who was born on his birthday, Taressa E. McMahon and husband Nelson Salgado. Donald was blessed with many grandchildren and was known and loved by the older grandchildren as "Papa" and he was "Papa" to Antonio and Vincenza Sepe, Christopher Yattaw, Alicia Girard and husband Andrew, Erica Kohler and husband Anthony and Alison Baird. His younger grandchildren knew and loved him as "GaGa" and he  was "GaGa" to Jose lll and Janetsy Montes, Nevaeh, Nelson, Nayrah and Nina Salgado. As his family continued to grow, Don took on the additional role of great grandfather to Viktoria, Arianna, Colin and Aubree. In addition, Donald is survived by his brother Michael Sepe and sisters Cheryl Duke and Deborah Sepe. He was preceded in death by his brothers Carmine Jr. and Robert Sepe, and sister Antoinette Andruchuk. Having six siblings, Don took on yet another role as uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

Don resided most of his life in Providence moving to Johnston in 1998. He was the owner operator of D & D Tree Experts retiring in 2007 after 40+ years as a licensed arborist. He acquired contracts from large companies including his main account, the City of Providence. Don took great pride in his work and both of his sons began their training in what would become the family business. His work included removing and grinding stumps, planting trees, bucket truck and tree care services. He loved the outdoors and took great pride in his work and business. One customer summed it up nicely “Mr. Sepe is a very personable gentlemen”. Even in retirement it wouldn’t be unreasonable to see Don arrive at the job sites to supervise.

Don was a true family man. While retired, he would sit for hours outside watching his grandchildren at his home. He was able to combine his passions for both the outdoors and his family. His love for his children and grandchildren was immeasurable. Warm weather would find Don playing in the pool with his grandchildren and he was always ready to listen to his children about their travels and adventures. He also enjoyed hosting holiday celebrations and other festivities for family and friends. Don was always smiling. His smile would light up the room and now in passing his light will forever shine on those he loved. He will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Robert Bellarmine Church 1804 Atwood Avenue Johnston on Friday April 22nd at 10:00am. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park Cemetery Johnston. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday from 5:00-8:00Ppm in The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston.