Donald W Raphael, 70, of Peabody, transitioned peacefully on Tuesday May 4th at Lahey Hospital in Burlington.

Born in Beverly, he was the son of the late Ralph and Dolores (Barlow) Raphael. He was raised and educated in Peabody and was a graduate of Peabody High School, class of 1969. Donnie was quite the athlete and was captain of the football and basketball teams.

Following High School, he enlisted with the United States Army and served his country for four years during the Vietnam War before his honorable discharge in 1974.

He later pursued his love for the arts and attended both, Montserrat College of Art and Salem State College, graduating with Degrees in Art and Teaching.

Don was an art teacher for about 30 years at the Higgins Middle School. His passion for all of his students and the people around him flowed into his artwork and many friendships. He left a lasting impression on countless students during his tenure at Higgins. He loved spending quality time cracking jokes and laughing with his family and friends. He enjoyed movies and listening to all genres of music and attended countless live shows throughout his life.

Donald is survived by his three sons, John Raphael of Phoenix, AZ, Luke Raphael of White Mtns, NH, and Chad Raphael of Peabody, his daughter, Kayla and her husband Christian Hayes and their son, Cooper of Danvers, his former wife, Denise Raphael of Gloucester, his two brothers and sisters-in-law, Ralph and Judy Raphael of Dracut, and Chris and Marie Raphael of Boxford, his two sisters and brother-in-law, Susan and Simon Mielniczuk of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and Cheri Matthews of Marblehead, and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Following cremation, visiting hours will be held on Friday May 14th from 3:00 - 6:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. His funeral will be held on Saturday May 15th at 9:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. John’s Church in Peabody. All are kindly invited attend. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. All attendees are required to wear facial coverings and maintain social distancing as well.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on the Go Fund Me page above this obituary