Donald A. Piper Jr.

STETSON-Donald A. Piper, Jr., passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 23, 2026. He was born February 10, 1950, in Frankfurt, Germany, the son of Donald A., Sr. and Lorenza (Butman) Piper.

Don graduated from Monmouth Academy, where he loved to play on the football team. He would go on to graduate from the University of Maine in Orono with an Associate's Degree. While there and after graduating he really enjoyed watching the UMO games and cheering on his fellow Black Bears.

Don lived a busy and full life, starting out by traveling the world at just 7 years old. He started working at very young age on the farm. He picked corn, apples, strawberries and other produce and when older, peddled it to markets like IGAs, A and Ps, and other stores up and down the coast and in southern Maine. Don also worked in chicken barns, (3) large barns. Work had to be done every morning before school and again at night.

His work ethic only increased from there. Other jobs he would do included being a bus driver, a plowman and a wood cutter. Don accomplished many things such as running for State Representative and only lost by 4 votes, he always boasted about it. He was a 4H winner at the national convention level and went to Chicago as a 4H champion in the swine competition, very few people accomplish this status. But one of his greatest accomplishments was owning and operating the Corner Country Store in Stetson for 41 years. Don was a selfless man who was a proud member of the Anah Shriners. He was also a volunteer EMT and firefighter who would later become an instructor.

In later years when he wasn't working hard for his family or volunteering, he loved being in his "dog pin" working on various woodworking and crafting projects. He made several items for his children and grandchildren. In addition to these projects, Don and a friend built his beautiful home on the lake in Stetson. Often saying with a smile, "two dumb farm boys built this."

Nothing made him prouder than his family. As of October 3, Don and his wife, Sharon would have celebrated 56 years of marriage together. Their son Donnie was introduced to mechanics by Don and would follow in his father's footsteps of being mechanically inclined. Their daughter Beth, took after her father in her own creative ways, producing handcrafted works of art. Their son Brent, took after his father following him into farming, graduating high school, and for purchasing the Corner Country Store (now Ollie's Market).

Don is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Beth Piper (Cathy Verrill); sons, Brent Piper (David Cyr) and Donald Piper, III (Melissa Piper); granddaughters, Lorenza Piper and Hailey Verrill.

Donald was predeceased by his parents, Donald Sr. and Lorenza; brother, Guy Piper; and grandson, Jacobe Piper.

The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments and celebrate Don's life 11am-4pm, Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Pipers' home, 50 Birch Way in Stetson where a brief memorial service will be held at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at www.TheAFTD.org.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.