ROCKLAND — Donald P. Robishaw, Sr., 88, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Rockland, October 22, 1935, he was the son of Herbert Sr. and Georgia Springer Robishaw.

He attended local schools until quitting to enlist in the U.S. Army, Nov. 21, 1952.

Upon returning from military duty, he completed and graduated from high school in 1957. Donald married the love of his life Ercell Sawyer, August 24, 1957. After graduating high school, he served full-time for 4 years with Rockland Fire department. He then began employment with the former Russell Funeral Home as mortuary assistant and later with Carpenter Funeral Home, working in funeral service for more than 34 years. In 1969 he began employment with the Knox County sheriff’s department as a patrol deputy and in 1972 transferred to the jail as a correction officer for 17 1/2 years, retiring in 1989.

An active sportsman, he made the first touchdown on Rocklands’ Wasgatt Field. He was a supporter of RDHS sporting events, serving 33 years on many football yardage chain gangs.

For two years, Donald served on the call division with Rockland fire department. He was always active in the community, his church, and the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1. Through his long-time association with the American Red Cross, Donald donated over 30 gallons of blood. For many years he faithfully placed flags on veterans’ graves.

He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Donald’s love for his family was endless.

Other than his parents, Donald was predeceased by his siblings: Ronald, Albert, Elizabeth, Robert, Roland, Herbert (Jr), Belva, George, Gertrude and Earl; son-in-law Steven Rhodes; son Ronald Robishaw, and grandson Isaac Rhodes.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ercell Sawyer Robishaw of Rockland; son Donald Robishaw, Jr. and wife Gail of Rockland; daughter, Elizabeth Rhodes of Washington; grandson Micheal Robishaw and wife Erica of South Thomaston; granddaughters, Rachel Rhodes Batlis and husband Dean Batlis, Jr of Washington, Rebekah Rhodes of Winthrop; and great-grandchildren, Dean Batlis III, Lea Batlis, Maddox Robishaw, Reid Robishaw, Ana Lord and Jacob Lord. 

A celebration of life will be held Friday, June 14, 2024, at 1 p.m., at South Liberty Baptist Church, 2895 Burkettville Road, Liberty, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rockland Fire Dept and EMS, 118 Park Street, Rockland, ME 04841, or Washington Fire Department, 42 Old Union Road, Washington, ME 04574.

To share a memory or condolence with the Robishaw family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.