SGT. Donald J. "Bear" Piacentini

1947 – 2021

Agawam – SGT. Donald J. "Bear" Piacentini, 74, died peacefully Tuesday morning in Mercy Medical Center. Don was born in Springfield and grew up in the Hungry Hill section of the city. He was a graduate of Springfield Technical High School, where he played hockey. He served as a Sergeant and member of the Military Police for the Army of the United States during the Vietnam War. After his discharge from the Army, he worked as a Crew Chief and Shop Steward for American Airlines at Bradley Field. He was predeceased by his wife Gladys (Topor) Piacentini in 2003. He leaves his son David and his wife Vikki of West Springfield; his three grandsons, "the lights of his life" Lukas, Jason and Teddy; a niece Lisa Roberts and nephews John and Bob. Besides his wife he was also predeceased by a sister Joanne Bowler. The funeral will be held at the Agawam Curran-Jones Funeral Home Monday at 1:00pm followed by burial in the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held prior to the funeral home service Monday from 12:00 – 1:00pm. For more information or online condolences please visit curranjones.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belford Road, suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.