THETFORD CENTER, VT - Donald Sayre Fifield Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 4, 2026. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on December 31, 1952, to Donald Sayre Fifield and Marian (Atkinson) Fifield. With both sets of grandparents living in Vermont, he spent childhood weekends and school vacations in Thetford Center and Brattleboro, places he loved the best. Upon graduation from high school, he moved into his parents' Thetford Center vacation home and enrolled at Johnson State College in Johnson, Vermont. He spent his summers working as a carpenter and bricklayer's assistant and for E.C. Brown Nursery. He graduated from Johnson in 1977 with a degree in biology, and for several years he worked at Dartmouth Medical School as a lab assistant in cancer research.

In 1981, he married Rosemary Yager, and together they moved to Thetford Hill. Using his considerable carpentry and bricklaying skills, Don built their log home in Thetford Center in 1983. In 1985, he and Rosemary opened Vermont Everlastings, an organic greenhouse business specializing in annuals, perennials, and dried flowers. In addition to selling from their greenhouses, they were early participants in the Norwich Farmers Market where both served on the Board of Directors. Over time they added produce and homemade bakery items to their offerings and opened a farmstand on Thetford Hill that remained in business until the late 1990s.

In 1983, Don also joined the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department and began what would become a thirty-year career as a dedicated firefighter and registered EMT. He served for twenty years as Thetford's fire chief, creating a model department with high standards for training and safety, and established a consistent program for purchase and replacement of up-to-date safety gear and fire equipment. He also served as Thetford's first Emergency Management Director. In 2014, the Town of Thetford presented him with the Civic Pride Award in recognition of his decades of service to the community.

Don made maple syrup, a skill he learned as a youngster from his great-uncle and began pursuing in his own sugarhouse in his early twenties. He established Maple Tree Products and sold his syrup to local stores as well as from his home and farmstand. A true outdoorsman, he enjoyed deer hunting and all types of fishing.

Most of all, he was a beloved husband, brother, stepfather, and grandfather. His five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren brought him much joy. He loved his nieces and nephews and will be sorely missed by several generations of family members who enjoyed his company and benefited from his knowledge and skills. His granddaughter Isabella, whom he often took care of during her preschool years, held a special place in his heart, as he does in hers.

Don is survived by his wife, his brother John (Devena), his stepson Nick Yager (Maria Limon), and grandchildren Eduardo Moran (Ariana), Alexandra Azua (Juan), Laura Limon, Julian Yager (Maddie), and Isabella Yager (Mike Kelsall). He is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law Thomas Balistrieri, John Balistrieri (Sally), and Rick Balistrieri (Julie), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.

The family would like to express its profound appreciation to the wonderful staff of Margaret Pratt Community in Bradford, Vermont, who helped to make Don's final months peaceful, safe, and comfortable.

A celebration of Don's life will be held at Hale Funeral Home in Bradford, VT, on Wednesday, February 11, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A spring burial is planned.

Contributions in Don's memory can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or to the Thetford Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com