DONALD R. MAILLOUX

MAILLOUX, DONALD R., 48, of Coventry, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Kent Hospital, Warwick. He was the beloved husband of Catherine E. (Wallace) Mailloux who were together for over twenty years, and married for over sixteen.

Born in Warwick, he was the son of the late Norbert F.  and Joscelyne M. “Joyce” (Levesque) Mailloux. He was the loving father of Mackenzie E. Mailloux and Benjamin N. Mailloux. Brother of Michelle L. Cole, her husband Jason A., and their children Jarrett and Marissa of Coventry. Don is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Mercedes T. Levesque.  He was the brother-in-law of Gregory Wallace Jr., his wife Michelle, and their children Zander and Zoe of Telford, Pennsylvania. He was the son-in-law of Gregory Sr. and Donna Wallace of West Greenwich. Don is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, coworkers, and friends, who he always considered his family. 

Don started working at the Coventry Health Center when he was a teenager, and his work ethic only grew from there. He was dedicated in everything he did, which carried through to every career. In high school, he and his friend Rob Danis had their own car detailing business, R. & D. Detailing, and that love of washing, waxing, and having that shiny interior stayed with him to the end. Cate’s car was always sparkling, both inside and out. Whomever got into her car would comment on how clean it was, how good it smelled, and Cate would smile and say, “It’s not me, it’s Don,” and they would all laugh, always with just a tinge of envy. Don always asked Cate to “Avoid the puddles,” but if you know Cate, she couldn’t help it; she swerved right for them, she had to! Don would then shake his head, smile, and tell her he loved her, because she was his Yin, and he was her Yang; he was Type A, and she was Type Z, and together, they completed each other. 

When it came time to really dedicate himself after college, Don found a home at Tasca Automotive on Pontiac Ave in Cranston where he was part of the sales department for more than twenty years. He was so into his work that he would try to sell his wife cars in his sleep! He would wake Cate up, talking about different features of a Mazda, and the first few times she just ignored him, but after several months she thought, if he is going to wake me up, I am going to make him work for it! She always tried to get him to sell her the red one - her favorite color - but he would simply fall back to sleep and not remember any of it in the morning.  Incidentally, she never did get a red car, but that’s because she still loves her 2017 Explorer.

Don’s faith was strong, starting as an altar server when he was eight years old, and continued his service to his church community throughout his life at Saints John and Paul Church in Coventry. He attended Fr. John V. Doyle School, Class of 1990, and was a Graduate of Coventry High School, Class of 1994.  Don then went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Business at Rhode Island College, Class of 1999.  

In his spare time, Don enjoyed living life with family and friends. His Fridays were lawn days, where the lines were meticulous, diagonal or straight, and truly a sight to behold. He took pride in his home and was an absolute organized machine - one look at the garage and you’ll know what I mean. The pool was always a topic of discussion, considering all the pollen and leaves that would fall, but one quick vacuum and it was all good. Picture worthy, like the lawn, IYKYK.

Growing up on Johnson’s Pond gave Don such a love for the water. It didn’t matter if it was hot or cold, he was going in! Diving off the docks, going down the slide, playing tag with the ball, or cruising in the jet skis, he was in his element and living his best life. He loved fishing with the kids, especially Mackenzie. The two of them would have been out there for hours if we let them, but the worms never lasted long enough, much to Mackenzie’s chagrin. They mostly caught sunfish and bluegills, an occasional bass or pike, but when that girl reeled in a catfish, no one was prouder than Don. He also loved taking cruises on the Float Boat. Some days there would be so many friends, too many coolers, and those strong waves would try to take us down, but those pontoons held steady, and we were cruising again in no time, making our way to the dam to drop anchor and enjoy the afternoon. Once back home, there were shenanigans on the docks: jumping, diving, sliding, laughing, and just living in the moment. The days would end with the sun setting, cocktails on the deck, and Pete’s Pizza, and all was as it should be.

On land, he loved to be outside! 5:00 am and he had his boots on and was out watering, miracle growing, and weeding his garden! There was nothing like cucumbers from Donald’s garden! When not taking care of the outside, Don was playing! Building legos with Ben, playing Yahtzee, shooting hoops, spinning the kids at the playground, playing volleyball in the pool, going 4-wheeling, even chopping and stacking wood, there was no end to his energy. We were so incredibly lucky he was so handy! However, the man could fall asleep anywhere, anytime, even standing up! I mean, who falls asleep during The Lion King at PPAC? Don Mailloux, that’s who, but hey, we loved him anyway.

The love Don felt for his family was fierce, for his family was his world. He and his wife Cate were undoubtedly best friends. He was her Malloody, her Donnie Malloo, just simply, her Donnie, and she will love him, always and forever. 

Don’s Funeral will be Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 9:45 AM in the Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Road (ROUTE 3), Coventry. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM in Saints John and Paul Church, 341 South Main Street, Coventry. Burial with committal prayers to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich. 

Visiting hours Tuesday, June 17, 2025 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the Iannotti Funeral Home at Maple Root, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Road (ROUTE 3), Coventry. 

In lieu of flowers, donations made in Don’s memory to his two children

for a college saving account would be appreciated.

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