Capt. Donald V. Church ’55

Captain Donald Vernon Church, beloved father of three, grandfather of nine and great grandfather (aka Grumpa and Grumpy Winkle) of eight and a half passed away in his Bristol home on June 1, 2025 just a few days shy of his 91st birthday. We are certain that he was welcomed into heaven by his soulmate Barbara and they were reunited once again.

Born in Portsmouth, Rhode Island to Rose (Bergeron) and Vernon Church, he was the brother of Verna Westhaver of Portsmouth and the brother of Harry Church who predeceased him.

Donald’s early years were spent on the water helping his father fish and run the fishing boat, and his love of boats and fishing would continue throughout his life. He hitchhiked to Maine Maritime Academy where he received his maritime degree and then paid his tuition with two years in the Navy. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Alison Cairns, and they proceeded to grow their family beginning in Key West where he was first stationed.

Donald then followed in his father’s footsteps and became a State Pilot eventually founding Block Island Pilots (which later merged with Northeast Pilots). As a hobby, while a Pilot, he built boats – a catamaran, two fishing boats, and a pilot boat. He also, as a hobby, built Sunny Acres and Melville Trailer Parks in Portsmouth with his father. He then went on to start Seaboats Inc, a tug and barge company, building and launching many tugboats at the Fall River shipyard along with his son Scott. This was also a hobby, because he still was working as a pilot! Fishing was fit in as much as possible, but he was quite a busy man during these years.

A bit later, in his limited free time, Donald could be found on one of his fishing boats that he was constantly modifying and working on. Did I mention that he loved fishing and boats?!? He and Barbara bought a home in Melbourne Beach where they escaped the New England winters. They welcomed many visitors, including kids and grandkids, and he could then fish all year long!

Donald enjoyed his time with all of his grandkids and loved bringing them out fishing (surprise!) always grabbing donuts to compensate for the crack of dawn departure. He taught the grandkids how to dig quahogs in front of his house, and he then made buckets of quahog chowder and fritters for everyone – all were invited. It was a well loved tradition. His hearty belly laughs when he was surrounded by family can still be heard in our memories.

A lifetime Mason, he was also a member of the Propeller Club of Narragansett Bay, an appointee by the Governor to many maritime committees, a financial supporter of Maine Maritime Academy, and a mentor to many people in the maritime field – very well respected by all in the maritime community. He gave freely of his time and expertise to all.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to his caregivers, especially Caroline (who went above and beyond, and kept him laughing and singing the last few months of his life) but also Ashlyn, Lori, Athena, Gina and Renae who because of their companionship, sense of humor, and selfless caring, allowed our Dad to remain in his home surrounded by everything and everyone he loved.

We would like to invite family and friends to a Celebration of Life for Donald and Barbara at Jacky’s Galaxy on Metacom Avenue in Bristol, RI, on July 12th at noon followed by the spreading of ashes at Church Cove. Please let Scott know if you can attend at Seaboats61@gmail.com.