Donald Keith Partridge

Donald Keith Partridge, age 72, of Ayer, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at home surrounded by family. 

Born in Cambridge, MA, Donnie was the son of the late Donald S. and Violet E. (Cooper) Partridge. He grew up in Littleton, MA where he raised his family before moving to Ayer, MA.

From a young age, Donnie’s mechanical talents were recognized, and he was often summoned to work on older teenagers’ hot rods. After graduating from Littleton High School, Donnie continued working in the automotive industry and in 1973 he was approached by Mobil Oil Company and went on to successfully manage three locations.   He eventually started his own business, Wayside Automotive, in Littleton. In 1985, Donnie purchased a gas station and repair shop in Ayer where he proudly worked until recently. 

Donnie had a passion for fixing cars.  In an industry full of “parts replacers”, as he would say, he took pride in his work and helping others and passing along his skills to his sons. 

An avid golfer, Donnie enjoyed playing golf with his sons and friends.  He also enjoyed bird watching and was a lover of all nature and wild animals. From a young age, music was an important part of his life due to the influence of his father.  In his teenage years he enjoyed playing in a band with his friends, but mostly he loved listening to his favorite music.  He could tell you a story about what he was doing when a particular song was on the radio. 

Above all, Donnie loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Donnie is survived by the love of his life, his wife Nancy (Keele) and their son Brian of Devens. He is also survived by his sons Donald and his wife Jessie of Groton; Steven and his wife Bridget of Ayer; Sean of Ayer; and his daughter Erica and her husband Joseph Barrila of Chelmsford. He is also survived by his grandchildren Britany, Chelsea, Ashley, Donald, James, Sydney, Danielle, Joshua, Kory, Chase, Sean, Celeste, Olivia, and Joseph; seven great-grandchildren and one on the way. He is also survived by his sisters Susan Mardirosian and Karen Olsen and his brother Randy. 

Donnie was predeceased by his brother Steven Partridge and his beloved granddaughter Lindsey Partridge.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Donnie for visiting hours on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 pm in the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, December 14 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery, Littleton.