South Hadley – Donald E. Hooton, 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21st, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Holyoke to the late Eva (Utley) and Leonard Hooton. Donald moved to South Hadley after marriage to raise his family, where he lived for the past 67 years.

Following graduation from Holyoke High School, Donald worked as a bank teller. He obtained a Bachelor of Education from Westfield State College and taught in the Springfield school system until retirement. During the summer, he taught American Red Cross swimming lessons in the town of South Hadley. Donald was also a pianist and a church organist.

Throughout his life, Donald was an active member of the United Congregational Church, where he led the bell choir, multi-generational choir, concert series, and Music in the Parks. He was a member of multiple organizations, including the American Guild of Organists, Choristers Guild, and Massachusetts Teacher Association. He also volunteered with Food for Friends. He was an accomplished knitter, making Afghans, sweaters, mittens, hats, and scarves for his family and numerous charities.

He is survived by his brother, Leonard Hooton. Donald will be missed by all who knew him, including his beloved dog, Lucy; three daughters, Susan Levreault  and husband Mark, Janice Hooton-Racine and husband Mark, and Donna Shroff and husband Hitesh; and his 3 grandchildren, Austin Levreault, Samantha Levreault, and Kavita Shroff.

A funeral service will be held at 10 AM, Saturday April 27th at the First Congregational Church, 1 Church St., South Hadley, followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery. The O'Brien Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information or to leave a memory, please visit obrienfamilyfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Massachusetts Child, an MTA charity that educators use to help students facing financial hardships (https://massteacher.org/opportunities-grants-awards/mass-child).