Donald W. Messier, 79, Jericho, VT, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Jericho on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. Don was born in Waterbury, CT, on October 5, 1937, to Mary Louise (Garland) and Rene Wilmore Messier. He received a BA in education from Providence College, Providence, RI. He earned a MA in administration from Fairfield University. He was awarded NDEA Fellowships from Stanford, Notre Dame, and Johns Hopkins. Don enjoyed a career of thirty-five years in education, beginning as a social studies teacher in Watertown, CT. He accepted a teaching position with the DOD Schools in Goose Bay, Labrador, and later in Frankfurt, W. Germany. While at Frankfurt, he coached cross country, winning the USDESEA cross county championship and later became assistant principal. Upon returning to the US, he accepted a job at Essex Junction High School as assistant principal. He was later named principal and then superintendent of the Winooski School District. He left education briefly for a career in financial services with New York Life, Mutual of New York, and The New England. He made the Million Dollar Round Table, and later became salesmanager for these companies. He returned to education, serving as an administrator at Oxbow, Addison, and Alburgh school districts. After retiring from education, he was the Vermont sales representative for World Book School and Libraries and sold financial products for the Knights of Columbus. In retirement, Don enjoyed an active life, serving his church and community. He was a member of Rotary International, the Knights of Columbus, state Board of Education for the Chittenden County Correction Center, Gregorian Chant Schola, and the Republican Party. He volunteered for Project Angel Food and UVM Medical Center. He was elected Phi Delta Kappa president; he was appointed as an Associate Trustee for St. Michael’s College. He was elected Justice of the Peace, Town Agent, Grand Juror, and Auditor for the town of Jericho. He was a member of St. Pius X Parish in Essex. He served as Eucharistic minister and was a daily communicant for over 30 years. A sindonologist, he was the custodian of the Holy Shroud exhibit, making presentations to parishes and schools throughout New England. He loved bird hunting, deep-sea fishing, and Providence College basketball. He was an avid traveler, having visited five continents. He is predeceased by his parents and two brothers-in-law. He is survived by Ann, his loving wife of 50 years, his sister Joan Cormier, his sister-in-law Mary Ann Jones, two sons, Matt and his wife Dianne, Steve and his wife Leila, and four grandchildren: Hannah, Samantha, Cameron, and Rebecca. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2017, from 2:00-5:00 PM at A W Rich Funeral Home-Essex Chapel, 57 Main Street, Essex Junction, VT. A wake service will be offered by Rev. Charles Ranges, S.S.E. at 4:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 6, 2017, at 11:00 AM at St. Pius X Church with Rev. Charles Ranges S.S.E. officiating. Inurnment will be held this summer at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vermont Right to Life. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.