Donald R. Stamegna passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital on Tuesday, October 13, 2015. He was 90 years of age. Donald was born in Melrose on June 13, 1925 to the late Angelo & Mary (McCafferty) Stamegna. He was raised in Wakefield and Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School and Babson College. Donald joined the US Navy in 1943 and served his country with pride during WWII as a US Navy Pilot with a rank of 2nd Lt... After his discharge from the Navy he joined the US Marines later that month and served in the reserves as a 1st Lt. until 1952. Mr. Stamegna was a lifelong resident of Melrose and a resident of Arlington St. since 1952. He was the business owner, purchasing agent and bookkeeper of Hyde Birdfeeder Company of Waltham for over 50 years, retiring in 2000. He loved boating, fishing and catching lobsters from his summer home on Buzzards Bay. Donald liked the outdoors, camping and working on his home, right up to last week at the age of 90. Mr. Stamegna enjoyed going on cruises with his wife Barbara and was a collector of cars, trains and other collectables. He was the beloved husband of 67 years to Barbara (Allen) Stamegna. Devoted father of Susan Martin of CA, Donald R. Stamegna Jr. of Rockport, Richard A. Stamegna of Beverly, Nancy C. Gargano of GA, Francis J. Stamegna & Joseph P. Stamegna both of Melrose, Betsy A. Spiro of CT, Peter A. Stamegna of Medford and Paul A. Stamegna of Melrose. Caring brother of Claire Shomody of FL. Also survived by 18 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews & friends. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Thursday, October 15th, from 4:00-7:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St. Melrose on Friday, October 16th at 10:AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Burial with military honors at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose.