Donald R. Landers Sr.

Donald R. Landers Sr., 83, of Marlborough, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Don was born in Cambridge, MA, son of the late Patrick A. and Alice Mae (Reynolds) Landers.

A former high school and college football player, Don graduated from St. Patrick’s High School, Watertown, MA in 1959. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Education from Curry College in 1964 and a Master of Education and School Administration from Worcester State College in 1970.

Don dedicated his life to education, starting as a business teacher in Hudson and Hopkinton before joining the Marlborough school system. As the Director of Data Processing, he was instrumental in introducing computers into the school system in the 1980s, writing the code for students, schedules and report cards. He co-founded the Akiruno (Japan) Cultural Exchange Program and enjoyed trips to Japan in support of the program. Don retired in 2001 as Assistant Superintendent for Business.

In addition to his career in education, Don served the City of Marlborough as Ward 7 Councilor for over 20 years. He was the past chairman of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, a founder and former coach of Marlborough Youth Baseball, and a coach in Marlborough Babe Ruth/Legion Baseball. In retirement, he became the owner of D.R. Landers Landscape & Design.

Don is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth “Betsy” J. (Dolan) Landers of Marlborough; two sons, Donald R. Landers Jr. and his wife Brenda of Chelmsford, and their children, Matthew and Allison; and Michael Landers and his wife Kristin of Duxbury, and their children Mikey, Max, Cole, and Vivian; his sister, Lillian DeBeaucourt of Marlborough; as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his siblings, James, Robert, and Janet.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at the Short & Rowe Funeral Home, 95 W. Main St., Marlborough, MA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 11 Prospect St., Marlborough. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson St., Marlborough.

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