Donald H. Whitcomb, (aka Donny, Sven), died unexpectedly but peacefully at age 69 at his home in Raymond, Maine on May 6, 2022. He was born to Albert & Barbara Whitcomb in Cambridge MA on August 17, 1952. Don attended Lexington High and graduated in 1970, after which he attended Berklee School of Music in Boston MA. He was an extremely gifted musician throughout the course of his life. Don is survived by his daughter Julie Perez-Febles (Whitcomb) and her husband Lorenzo, his sister Martha Philbrick (Whitcomb) and her husband Kenneth, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by both parents, his stepmother Virginia, his brother Steven Whitcomb, and his sister Susan Berman (Whitcomb).
Donny moved to Leeds, Maine in the late 70's and was a mechanic by trade, working on motorcycles or small engines and later RV's for all his life. He had the innate ability to understand how things worked and could fix just about anything he put his enormous hands on. He could also repair cars, build structures, do wiring, plumbing and many other handy things, and taught his daughter many life skills. She's been able to save herself many times with the knowledge he passed on. His passion was music, Don started playing bass at a young age and formed a successful band with high school friends. He was widely known throughout Maine, having played the Blues with many, many bands over the course of his ~40 years here-most notably and longest with 1st the Blind Lemons and later Blue Steel Express. He played with Johnny Copeland for a short time in the 70's, once held the main stage at Rockland Blues festival with Blue Steel Express and played thousands of gigs across the state. His friends will forever remember his smile and his low-key energy holding the bass line low & strong.
He had suffered some health issues covering several years, but had recovered each time to a point where he was able to play music again, and for that we are forever thankful. He was an inspiration to be true to yourself and what makes you happy.
There will be a memorial service at Poland Spring Inn on June 5th, from 12-3pm, outside at the Gazebo. Light refreshments will be served, and memories shared from 12:45-1:15. His ashes will be present.
His daughter is starting a scholarship fund in his name, in the hopes of helping young musicians to reach their aspirations. We invite you to make a donation to the Don Whitcomb Scholarship Fund, if you are so inclined. Donations can be mailed to Julie Perez-Febles, 19 Boynton Brook Rd, Saco ME 04072.
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