Milford - Donald H. Hackett, 92, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2020, with his family by his side. Donald was born in Derby on July 4, 1928, the son of Edward and Helen (Murphy) Hackett.

Donald was a graduate of Milo High School class of 1945. Following high school, he worked for B and A railroad, and in 1950 – 1952, he served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. In 1953 he started schooling at University of Maine, Orono and graduated in 1957 with a Bachelors in history and government. He was a proud member of Phi Eta Kappa during his time at UMO. He later went on to earn his Masters degree, as well as a certificate of advanced study in education from the University of Maine.

Donald began his career as a social studies teacher and coach in Harmony in 1957. He then became principal at Monson Academy, Ft. Fairfield High School, MDI High School and finally Stearns High School, where he retired in 1989 after serving as principal for 20 years.

During his 31 years in Education, Donald served on Numerous MSSPA committees and was president of the association in 1974. He was also a member of The Board of Directors of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. As a member of The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, he traveled to Turin, Italy, in 1982 to visit that city’s school. He also was a recipient of “Maine Principal of the Year,” a recipient of The Burger King Corporation “In Honor of Excellent Award” and numerous other awards and achievements. Donald was also an active parishioner at the Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Holy Family Church in Old Town.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ruth (Brooks) Hackett; his three sons, Michael Hackett and his wife, Karen of Millinocket, Jeffrey Hackett of Greenbush and Kevin Hackett and his wife, Julie of Auburn; a daughter, Catherine Brown and her husband, Paul of Milford; seven grandchildren, Brooke, Lonnie, Maranda, Brett, Ashten, Travis, Ryan; four great grandchildren, Isabel, William, Charlotte and Emeline and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Edward, John, and Albert and a sister, Mary.

A private Mass of the Christian Burial for the family will be celebrated at Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Holy Family Catholic Church, Old Town on September 25, 2020 at 10:00 AM followed by a public Rite of Committal at Evergreen Cemetery in Milo. For the safety of everyone in attendance, and following state mandates, all attendees are asked to wear a mask and to practice social distancing.

Those who wish to remember Donald in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Maine Parkinson Society, 146 Parkway South, Suite 210, Brewer, ME 04412 or American Cancer Society, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.

For those wishing to attend the service remotely, a live stream will begin at 9:50 A.M. on September 25, 2020, please visit www.BrookingsSmith.com/livestream.