Mr. Donald W. Alger, 82, of Port Charlotte, FL passed away December 6, 2009 at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans Home.

He was born July 6, 1927 in Greenfield, MA, son of James Alger and Lina Balch. Don lived in Westfield, MA for many years. To those he grew up with over the years, he was known as (Doc). He was a graduate of Westfield High School and attended Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio. Don served in the US Navy during WWII, aboard the USS Billfish (SS 286) submarine. He was employed by Hamilton Standard in CT, and was Vice President and Sales Manager for B and E Tool Co., formerly in Southwick, MA. He served a term as City Councilor for the city of Westfield, and was a trustee at a local bank. Don faced many health challenges in the latter part of his life. He was known for his sharp wit, his optimism, and his superior memory skills. He was an inspiration to his children.

He is survived by his son, Steven G. (Karen) Alger of Baden, Switzerland and Somers, Conn.; his daughter, Susan A. (Scott) Murdock of Suffield, Conn.; two sisters, Shirley Glaze of Tavernier, Fla., and Barbara Malcolm of West Yarmouth, Mass., and his former wife, Joan Aylward; grandchildren, David (Dorothy) Alger, Richard (Alison) Alger, Jeffrey Alger, Brian (Lindsey) Alger, Amanda (Andre Maxwell) Murdock and Scott R. Murdock; and two great-grandchildren, newborn twins, Zoey and Lucy Alger.