Don Francis

Travis

Don Francis Travis, 70, of Pembroke, Massachusetts, formerly of Scituate and Charlestown, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, in Dedham, Massachusetts, following a long journey with frontotemporal dementia.

Born in Charlestown on December 23, 1955, Don was the son of the late Sherman Don Travis and Patricia (Curran) Travis. Proud of his Charlestown roots, Don spent much of his youth at the Charlestown Boys & Girls Club. He competed on the Charlestown High School swim team and distinguished himself as an exceptionally fast runner in track and field.

Education was one of Don’s most deeply held values. A 1975 graduate of Charlestown High School, he earned a full scholarship to Northeastern University, where he studied business, graduating in 1980 and becoming the first member of his family to earn a college degree. Through Northeastern’s cooperative education program, Don spent time in New York City, where he developed a lifelong love of musical theatre and Broadway. He never forgot the opportunities his education afforded him and instilled that same appreciation for learning, hard work, and academic achievement in his three sons.

It was during his college years that Don met the love of his life, Arlene Doherty, at a bus stop in Charlestown. Don was commuting to Northeastern University, while Arlene was traveling downtown to her job at Boston Five bank. Smitten with the young woman in the rabbit fur coat whom he saw each morning, Don began arriving early at the bus stop, letting bus after bus pass as he waited for Arlene to appear. Eventually, he worked up the courage to introduce himself and ask her on a date. That simple encounter became the beginning of a beautiful love story. The couple married on April 3, 1982, and shared more than 44 years of marriage, building a life together centered on family and their three sons.

Don enjoyed a successful career spanning more than three decades as a portfolio manager with the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, now known as MassHousing, in Boston. His professional life reflected his strong work ethic, business acumen, compassion for others, and dedication to helping communities across Massachusetts. After relocating his family to Scituate in 1999, he continued his daily commute into Boston, rising early each morning to catch the Hingham ferry.

Above all else, Don was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and Arlene initially raised their three sons in Charlestown, where the boys attended St. Catherine’s and Charlestown Catholic schools before the family moved to Scituate. Don took tremendous pride in seeing all three of his sons graduate from college, carrying forward a legacy that began with his own determination to pursue higher education.

He was equally dedicated to being present throughout his sons’ childhoods. Whether Little League baseball, football, or floor hockey, Don never missed a game, often heading straight from his office in downtown Boston to the sidelines to cheer them on. His encouragement, unwavering support, and pride in his children were among the countless ways he expressed his love.

Don’s generous heart extended well beyond his immediate family. He and Arlene shared a particularly special bond with Charles Canavan of Norwell, who had been a cherished part of their lives since he was a young boy and whom the family affectionately considered their “fourth son.” Don and Charles shared a deep love of music, particularly the songs of Chuck Berry and Johnny Cash, which they delighted in singing together. Music became a special language between them, bringing laughter, joy, and a connection that endured over the decades. Charles remained a devoted presence throughout Don’s illness, frequently visiting him at NewBridge and offering the companionship and familiarity of a bond that had become family.

Don had a lifelong appreciation for the beauty of New England, especially the mountains, lakes, and coastline of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. When his sons were young, he treasured family summers spent camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking in the White Mountains, visiting Lake Winnipesaukee, and enjoying days at Hampton Beach. These adventures became cherished family memories and reflected Don’s appreciation for time together and life’s simple pleasures.

After moving to Scituate, Don developed a special affection for his seaside community. Some of his happiest summer afternoons were spent enjoying a sub from Maria’s while sitting by Scituate Lighthouse, soaking up the sunshine, listening to the waves, and taking in the beauty of the ocean. An animal lover, he had a special fondness for dogs, both his own and his beloved grandpups. He later made his home in Pembroke, but his love of the South Shore and the New England coast remained.

Music and the performing arts held a special place in Don’s heart. He delighted in attending theatrical productions, often returning to see his favorites time and again, particularly Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, and The Phantom of the Opera. Music brought him joy, stirred memories, and connected him to the people he loved. Blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and a natural talent for dancing, Don knew how to bring laughter and happiness to those around him. A gifted writer with a thoughtful and expressive nature, he also had a remarkable ability to put his feelings into words, leaving behind poetry and other writings that his family will forever treasure. A devoted Boston sports fan, he followed all his hometown teams, especially his beloved New England Patriots.

Although dementia gradually changed much about Don’s life, it never diminished the love his family held for him or the memories of the husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend they knew. In his final hours, his family gathered at his bedside to pray, sing, and listen to some of his favorite songs. It was a fitting tribute to a man for whom music had always been such an essential part of life.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Arlene (Doherty) Travis; his three sons, Michael Travis and his husband, Jimmy Diggs, of Scituate, Ryan Travis of South Weymouth, and Matthew Travis of Quincy; and his cherished granddaughter, Gemma Diggs. He also leaves behind Charles Canavan of Norwell, a cherished member of the family whom Don and Arlene lovingly regarded as their fourth son.

He is also survived by his siblings, Joseph Travis and his wife, Tara, of Saco, Maine; Patrick Travis and his wife, Silvia, of Stoneham; Peter Travis of New Hampshire; Sheila Atkins and her husband, Jim, of Stoneham; and Linda Travis of Malden. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Sherman Don Travis and Patricia (Curran) Travis.

Don’s family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham for the kindness, dignity, and care they provided throughout his final years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s memory to Hebrew SeniorLife, in grateful appreciation for the compassionate care he received at NewBridge on the Charles. Donations may be made online through Hebrew SeniorLife’s Memorial Giving Page: https://giving.hebrewseniorlife.org/site/Donation2?2440.donation=form1&df_id=2440&mfc_pref=T&_gl=1*1zrrnr*_gcl_au*MTY4Njg5MzE2Ny4xNzk0NzY3ODAy*_ga*MTA4ODUyNzc5LjE3OTQ3Njc4MDI.*_ga_VNDVDC23VE*czE3OTQ3Njc4MDIkbzEkZzEkdDE3OTQ3Njc4MTEkajUxJGwwJGgw*_ga_N60K0FRXF6*czE3OTQ3Njc4MDIkbzEkZzEkdDE3OTQ3Njc4MTAkajUyJGwwJGgw or mailed to Hebrew SeniorLife, Development Department, 1200 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02131. Online donors may designate their contribution as a memorial gift in Don’s name.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Don's visiting hours on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. followed by a Prayer Service at 1 P.M. in The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown. His burial will be private.

Don will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, his love of music and the written word, his wonderful sense of humor, his pride in his Charlestown roots, and the joy he found in life’s simplest moments. His greatest legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the lives he touched, and the countless memories they will carry with them.

Years before frontotemporal dementia gradually stole his ability to express himself in words, Don wrote a poem for his three sons titled “Boys to Men.” In its closing lines, he captured a sentiment that remained unchanged, even as the disease progressed:

“We are very proud of each of you and love you all very very much!!”

The disease may have taken his words, but it could never diminish the love behind them. A father’s love, preserved in his own words, and a legacy that will endure.