Donald Lionel Becotte

Donald Lionel Becotte, 80, of Hudson, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. After eight years of courageously battling lung and prostate cancer, Donald left this world much the same way he lived in it — with love, humor, an unwavering positive attitude, and a smile on his face.

Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Rudolph and Eva Becotte, Donald was the youngest of nine boys. Growing up with eight older brothers meant there was never a shortage of laughter, mischief, or a good story to tell. Family was at the center of his life from the very beginning, and it remained that way for 80 years.

Donald proudly served his country as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he built a career at Gillette, where he worked for more than three decades before retiring. As it turned out, Gillette would give him something far more meaningful than a career. It was there that he met Pamela Morris, the woman who would become his wife, his best friend, and his favorite travel companion.

Donald and Pam married in 1982 and spent the next 44 years building a beautiful life together. They were truly best friends, deeply in love, and always finding reasons to laugh. Donald especially loved teasing Pam about her ability to never quite be on time, and he was also a self-appointed expert in backseat driving. Together, they shared countless adventures, a love of travel, and a lifetime of memories. Their song, Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love," was a fitting reflection of the love they shared.

Donald found happiness in life's simple pleasures. He loved exploring New England, especially the White Mountains and Cape Cod, and he never needed much of an excuse to take a long scenic drive. A covered bridge was always worth a stop, and searching for a moose in the wild was an adventure all its own. He loved a good lobster dinner, cheering on his New England sports teams (especially the Patriots), and playing a spirited game of 45's with his family.

And Donald could talk to anyone. He truly had the gift of gab and a way of making people feel as though they'd known him forever. His sunny disposition, quick humor, and genuine interest in others made him someone people naturally gravitated toward. He was easy to talk to, easy to laugh with, and even easier to love. He simply enjoyed people, and people enjoyed him right back.

But nothing brought Donald more happiness than his family.

He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, a brother, an uncle, and a friend to so many. He was the kind of dad who always showed up. His children never had to question his love or support because he gave both so freely and unconditionally. To his daughter, he was always "Daddy." To his sons, he was "Dad." To Pam, he was "Hon." And to his beloved grandchildren, he was simply "Pep."

Those names may have been different, but the love behind each of them was exactly the same.

Being Pep was one of Donald's greatest joys. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren, share a laugh, and be part of their lives. His grandchildren brought him immeasurable happiness, and the love he had for each of them was something truly special.

Donald also cherished his big extended family. From gatherings with his brothers and their families to adventures with his many nieces and nephews, he loved nothing more than having the people he cared about together. A crowded room full of family, conversation, laughter, and a little friendly competition over a game of cards was exactly where he wanted to be.

Of all the traditions Donald loved, Christmas Eve with his immediate family held a particularly special place in his heart. There was cinnamon cake, homemade pork pie, his favorite Chinese food, and, most importantly, everyone together. It wasn't about anything fancy or elaborate. It was about being surrounded by the people he loved and enjoying the familiar traditions that made the holiday theirs.

Donald is survived by his loving wife, Pamela (Morris) Becotte; his daughter, Sheila (Christopher) Chiodo; his sons, Justin Becotte and Donald (Cassandra) Becotte; and his cherished grandchildren, Matty, Delilah, Sophya, and Liam. He also leaves his brother, Raymond (Jill Porter-Bellwood); sisters-in-law, Joan Becotte, Gail Becotte, Natalie Becotte, Monica Becotte, and Priscilla Becotte; brothers-in-law, Robert (Linda Colarusso Deprofio) Morris and Donald Morris; and many beloved nieces and nephews who brought him so much joy throughout his life.

He was predeceased by his parents, Rudolph and Eva Becotte; his brothers, Marcel, Maurice, Roger, Robert, Richard, Roland, and Chanel; and his sisters-in-law, Teresa Becotte, Claire Becotte, Claire Morris, Noreen Morris, and Lorraine Becotte.

Donald leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful memories, countless stories, and a family who will miss him more than words can express. His absence will be felt in so many places — in the passenger seat on a scenic drive, around the card table, during family gatherings, and especially on Christmas Eve.

But those who loved him will always remember the sparkle in his eyes, that unmistakable smile, and the quick wit that could make everyone around him laugh. He had a way of making even the most ordinary moments special, simply by being himself.

And while his family will miss hearing his voice, sharing his laughter, and seeing that familiar twinkle in his eyes, they will carry those memories with them always — in every family gathering, every shared story, and every moment that makes them smile and say, "He would have loved this."

Services

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Donald's life on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Carrier Family Funeral Home 38 Range Road, Windham, New Hampshire. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 6:00 p.m.

Following cremation, Donald will be laid to rest with military honors at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

In Lieu of Flowers

Memorial donations may be made in Donald's memory to Health & Hospice Care, Attn: Philanthropy, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack NH 03054, or online at hhhc.org.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit: www.carrierfuneralhome.com.