By james art 
Donald Gilbert Jackson
PORTLAND – Donald “Papa” Gilbert Jackson, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, died Oct. 20, 2024, in Scarborough, surrounded by his loving family. Donald was born on November 7, 1941, the son of the late Carl Sr. and Teresa (Toulouse) Jackson.
Donald was born and raised in Portland and graduated from Portland High School in 1960, proudly earning the distinction of “Best Man at Portland High School.” On November 17, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Dolores (Davis) Jackson, and they have three beautiful daughters. Donald worked for Loring, Short and Harmon as an attractive salesman for 30 years, then continued to work for the City of Portland Traffic Department until his retirement.
Donald and Dolores were known for their social gatherings, especially their legendary Halloween parties, which are still talked about today. Donald’s dancing was the highlight of any wedding, party or family gathering and he passed his dancing skills on to his family. His vibrant presence on the dance floor was truly a sight to behold.
Donald was an avid sports fan, passionately supporting the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and most importantly, his Boston Celtics. At 6’2”, he was built for basketball and could often be found at the Riverton school, participating in games with friends.
A devoted family man, Donald coached his daughters’ softball teams, regularly attended their swim and track meets, and later became the best grandfather anyone could ask for to his seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His love for his family was unparalleled and will be forever remembered.
Donald’s legacy of love, laughter and extraordinary family devotion will continue to inspire and warm the hearts of those who knew him. To know him was to love him.
Donald was predeceased by his brothers, Carl Jackson Jr., Norman Jackson, and his sister, Gloria Hendricks.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dolores Jackson; daughters Mary and her husband George Clements, Denise and her husband Todd Perkins and Christina Lane and her partner Michael Kirby; grandchildren, Ashley and her husband Nate DeSimone, Kayla and her husband Brandon McLellan, Lindsay and her husband Eric Anderson, Sarah and her husband Steve Verrill, Todd Jr. and Abby Perkins and Nicholas Lane; great-grandchildren, Madison, Jace and Wade; and many other beloved family members.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gosnell Hospice House for their care of Donald in his final days.
Visiting hours will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, with the funeral service beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State St. Portland; interment to follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.
To view Donald’s memorial page or leave condolences, please visit
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