WATERVILLE — Donald Ernest Nystrom, 68, died with his wife and youngest sister at his side, Tuesday, February 14, 2023, following a brief illness.

Born in Skowhegan, October 9, 1954, he was the son of William and Barbara Winchenbach Nystrom. Educated in Rockland, he was a 1972 graduate of Rockland District High School. As a young man he was active in the Boy Scouts, earning the distinction of being an Eagle Scout.

Following graduation, Don entered the U.S. Army where he served before being honorably discharged.

Don was always active and volunteered many hours at the Pope Memorial Humane Society. He was especially fond of working with and training dogs. He had as special place in his heart for his beloved pup Sammy Joe,
who passed away in April of 2022 at the age of 14. As a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans he volunteered on many community projects.

When not busy helping others, he enjoyed making model cars, large train dioramas, working on cars and hot rods, especially 1957 Chevys, listening to music, and collecting Hot Wheels. Don took great joy in gifting many of his Hot Wheel’s to the children of friends and caregivers. Camping was another favorite pastime, often at Camden Hills State Park with friends. Time spent at his brother’s camp on Suponac Pond were fond memories for everyone.

After many years of living alone, Don met the love of his life, Maria Concepcion Tupaz (Coney, pronounced ‘Connie’), through mutual friends. The pair were married on November 2, 2014. She was by his side until the end, and even brought him his favorite meal from Denny’s, a sirloin steak with mashed potatoes and corn, just a few days before he passed. Family was always important to Don. He was very good at looking out for his sister, Pam, and had a very close relationship with his mother and later his niece Rachel. He will be missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his parents, Barbara Nystrom in 2010 and William Nystrom in 2013; a niece, Rachel Michelle Long in 2007; a brother-in-law, James Clark in 2008; a good friend, Kirk Rideout; and his beloved dog, Sammy Joe; Donald is survived by his wife, Coney of Waterville; his siblings, Pamela Clark of Rockland, Mark Nystrom and his wife Nancy of Owls Head, Ronda Long and her husband Michael of South Thomaston; his nieces and nephews and their families, Jessica Clark Convery and her husband Benjamin of West Gardner, Bradley Nystrom, Paige Nystrom both of Owls Head; his brothers-in-law Jeovani Tupaz, Charley Tupaz, sisters-in-law, Marilou Giuon, Maria Cristina Ventura; his mother-in-law, Patrocenia Tupaz, all of the Philippines; his life-long childhood friend Dennis Young of Thomaston; good friend Mary Rideout (Kirk’s wife), Clarence and Brendam Dorr; as well as a large loving extended family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 11 a.m., at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 150 Broadway. Private interment will be held in the Spring.

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

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.