ROCKLAND — Donald J. Kanicki was born to Anthony and Lillian Kanicki in Bay City, Michigan on February 19, 1939. One of thirteen children Don excelled in school and athletics, accepting a basketball scholarship to attend Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. It was there that he discovered his love of literature and a passion to share that gift as an educator.

What began in Bay City in 1961 and concluded at the Islesboro Central School in Islesboro, Maine was a successful career as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. Over the span of 48 years in education, Don influenced thousands of students with his wisdom, his encouragement and, most of all, his genuine sense of humor. Many of his former students would remain in contact and would later become lifelong friends. As a superintendent, Don would conclude his “back-to-school” staff meetings with a simple, but enduring message:

“They may not always remember what you taught them, but they will never forget how you treated them.” It was this basic philosophy that he based his entire career in education, as a teacher and an administrator. In 1991 Don married Carolyn Ward and headed East, where they began a beautiful life on the coast of Maine. Don served as Superintendent of Schools for MSAD 5 for 13 years. He firmly believed in community and in giving back to that community in which he lived. He was an active member of the Rockland Kiwanis and the Rockland Share the Pride organizations. Whether it was selling Christmas Trees, volunteering at the Youth Bike Rodeos, or delivering Meals on Wheels, where Don saw a need, he never hesitated to fill it.

In 2008 Don fully retired to enjoy travel and lifelong learning, taking online courses and lecture series on a wide variety of topics. However, what he most cherished was living and loving the life he and Carolyn made together in Rockland.

Don is survived by his wife of 35 years, Carolyn; his son Brad and his wife Amber; grandsons, Drew and Zach of Clemmons, North Carolina; his brothers, Tony, David, and Mark; his sister Mary; sister-in-law Sandi; and many nieces and nephews.

As per Don’s wishes, he chose to “exit quietly”, His work here is done.

A gathering of family and friends is being planned for later this summer/fall to celebrate the incredible life of Don Kanicki.

To honor Don’s memory, he would ask that you  – 

Read a good book and share it with others

Listen to “The Pretender” by Jackson Browne

Memorize a poem and recite it to someone you love.

Always strive to be a good person.

“The Parting Glass”

Tradional Scottish Ballad

“Of all the friends that ere I had

they’re sorry for my going away

And all the sweethearts that ere I had,

they wish me one more day to stay

But since it falls unto my lot

that I should go – and you should not

I will gently rise and softly call,

goodnight

and joy be with you all.”

Donald J. Kanicki

February 19, 1939 – May 14, 2026

A life well lived.