Donald A Hussey

Donald A. Hussey, 76 of Hingham, died peacefully in the company of his family on August 27th, 2019. He was the loving husband of Brenda (Hayes) Hussey and devoted father to Gregory and Jennifer. He is also survived by three wonderful grandchildren: Liam, Caileen, and Hale. He was a Vietnam-Era veteran of the United States Air Force Security Services as a Top Secret code interpreter, a school teacher in Norwell, the founder of American Exterior (AmEx) Corporation, a politician and candidate for US Congress, and a successful author and founder of SeaWall Books: http://donhussey.com/about-don-hussey/

He was the son of Peter and Eleanor (Wyman) Hussey of Rockland and has a younger brother, Peter. Enamored of the skies, he joined the Air Force in 1960 to fly but instead became a morse code operator. One of his proudest moments was during a high-level security situation in Alaska, at the height of the Cold War, when he was called in to oversee communications with USAF pilots who had an encounter with Soviet MiGs near Vladivostok, Kamchatka. The incident was so tense that Don’s commander placed a call to President Kennedy to wake him and advise him of the situation. Donald had a front seat when the Cold War almost turned hot.

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree from Bridgewater State. He taught for years with his wife, Brenda, at the Norwell Public Schools where they met. He and Brenda moved to Hingham shortly after their children were born. The family made Hingham their home to this day. Don created his start-up company, American Exterior, a one-man sandblasting and painting firm that found a niche in the Boston area. He turned AmEx from start-up to large corporation before moving on to something even more stressful—Massachusetts politics.

After selling American Exterior, Don ran for State Senate and U.S. Congress, later serving as the Chairman of the Hingham Republican Town Committee and a as delegate to the Mass GOP convention. He thanked his election to the Student Senate in college as his inspiration for a lifetime of politics.

Mr. Hussey leaves a long legacy of community involvement in Hingham, undaunted entrepreneurial spirit in Boston, and inspiring dedication to family and friends. He donated his grand piano to GAR Hall and was active with the American Legion there. He designed and created a float for Hingham’s Fourth of July Parade and his float won “Most Patriotic,” for its theme of the Declaration of Independence.  He also organized with local churches to have packages sent downrange to service members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

His memoir, “Ticket to Ride: The Promise of America,” details the intricately woven history of his life and it is a riveting read for those close to him and those interested in viewing Don’s life through his own eyes.

He died holding his wife’s hand, less than two weeks after their 49th wedding anniversary. His last words were to Brenda: “I love ya, baby!” which was his most common refrain.   

Private Family Funeral Services were held and Don was interred at Massachusetts National Cemetery. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald A Hussey, please visit our floral store.