Donald "Willis" Blakesley, 71, of Agawam and East Dennis passed away peacefully on July 30 surrounded by his loving family.  Don was born on April 10, 1950 in Springfield to Katherine D. Blakesley and Donald W. Blakesley. He grew up in Agawam and was a proud graduate of the Agawam High School class of 1968, where he earned the distinction of "class wit," a defining characteristic he perfected throughout the remainder of his life.  After high school, Don enrolled at STCC and worked at Mercy Hospital, where he met his future wife and the love of his life, Mary A. McDonough. They were later married on July 14, 1973.  Don continued his education, obtaining his bachelor's degree at UMass Amherst in 1973.  Upon graduation, he went to work full time at Travelers Insurance Company, while also attending Western New England College School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1978. Soon thereafter, Don began a long and fruitful career as an attorney, ultimately becoming a partner at the Springfield firm of Pellegrini & Seeley, P.C., now known as Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C.  Don also spent ten years as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Western New England College, teaching the school's only course in workers' compensation law. Through his compassion, intellect, and genuine concern for others, Don obtained the respect of his clients and peers, including being recognized for over fifteen years as one of The Best Lawyers in America , a distinction of which he was particularly proud.  The successes that he enjoyed throughout his career were only outweighed by his tremendous love for his family and friends. This was most evident at the numerous large gatherings he and Mary hosted over the years, including their annual Christmas Eve party, and the 4th of July, Bash by the Bay which they held at their beloved summer home in East Dennis.  In addition, he graciously welcomed numerous friends and family into his winter home in Naples, Florida for over twenty years. Don was passionate about running and golf, enjoying a varying degree of success in both. He proudly completed three marathons and broke 80 once. He never had a hole-in-one but never seemed to care, so long as he was in good company while he played. Don was predeceased by his loving wife and best friend, Mary in 2019.  Don is survived by his beloved children, Daniel E. Blakesley and his wife Kristen of Longmeadow and Brian P. Blakesley and his wife Samantha of Wilbraham, as well as his adored grandchildren, Harry, Penny and Zoe Blakesley, his mother Katherine D. Blakesley of Agawam, sister Colleen B. Marcus and husband James of West Springfield, brother Thomas M. Blakesley and wife Elena of West Springfield, and sister Mary Ellen Blakesley of Indialantic, Florida.  He is predeceased by his father Donald W. Blakesley and brother John A. Blakesley.  He also leaves behind his in-laws, Joan F. McDonough and her husband Richard Lowe of Longmeadow, Barbara H. Lynch of Longmeadow, Hon. Edward J. McDonough, Jr., and wife Melissa of Longmeadow, Daniel P. McDonough and his wife Lynne of Longmeadow, James M. McDonough and his wife Sheryl of Wethersfield, Connecticut, Paul A. McDonough of Agawam, John G. McDonough and his wife Renee of Springfield, David P. McDonough and wife Gretchen of North Carolina, as well as innumerable and loved nieces and nephews. Don had a passion for life and took time to get to know every person who crossed his path. If you were a friend of Don's, you were his friend for life, and those who were fortunate enough to call him a friend will miss him dearly. Although Don was diagnosed with an aggressive illness, he endured these past five months with an unwavering grace and humility that had a profound effect on all whose life he touched. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Springfield at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 5, 2021.  Calling hours will be held at Curran Jones Funeral Home, 746 Cooper Street in Agawam from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 4.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Donald W. Blakesley Scholarship Fund, c/o Daniel Blakesley, 154 Lawrence Drive, Longmeadow, MA 01106.