MARBLEHEAD – Donald Scott Balser (Don), 80, of Marblehead, beloved husband of Linda (Goodwin) Balser, passed away on June 10, 2025 at his home in Marblehead surrounded closely and tightly by family.  Don was a devoted son, nephew, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Arthur Edgar and Wilma Grace (Wentworth) Balser.

Don loved people and hearing their stories, learning about what they were doing, and sharing in everything, good or difficult, which was happening in the moment. He especially loved kids of every age, and he could and usually would let his own inner kid join right in with them (sometimes hard to tell who was having more fun). He was genuine every day of his life, and if Don Balser liked you, you knew it. His energy and enthusiasm for people and community took many forms  over the years, through many organizations, activities, and individuals from all walks of life. His broad smile, joking humor, and dedication kept his compass needle always pointed toward the best of people and the world. His wedding reception dance moves are legendary among a certain set of folks on the North Shore to this day.

Raised in Danvers, Don's academic journey led him through Danvers High School and Governor Dummer Academy (now Governors Academy), where he graduated in 1964. He began his college education at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business & Administration from Harvard University. Don's career included 30 years at Holyoke Mutual Insurance Company in Salem, where he retired as Vice President in 1996. His retirement career included working and consulting for insurance and related sectors, embracing the innovation that emerging internet-based communications and analysis could bring. Throughout his career, he also served on industry leadership groups addressing the intersection of public policy and business.

Don's interests and devotion extended well beyond professional life. He was actively engaged in various beneficent and community organizations, including the Rotary Club of Salem, and as a Deacon at Old North Church in Marblehead. His spirit shone through service with the Boy Scouts of America, initially as Pack 76 Cubmaster in Marblehead. Don continued on with Scouting for decades after, including as Yankee Clipper Council Executive Board Member, as a key fundraiser, and with the Reverend Parker Fund scholarship committee, where he delighted in getting to know many highly talented local students embarking on college careers. Don served with equal delight as a human mosquito-magnet at the Theodore L. Storer Scout Reservation in New Hampshire during the annual Webelos Week, sharing fun and laughs with legions of North Shore kids and camp staff on endless summer days.

Don was a proud brother of Philanthropic Lodge F. & A. M. in Marblehead, loving the fellowship, philanthropy, and commitment to goodwill and integrity that he found in abundance there. His love for history was reflected in volunteer work with the Marblehead Historical Society and the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Museum in the Townhouse, where he had the opportunity to chat away with museum visitors on weekends about local history or any other topic that might pop up.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Don embraced athletics with passion, excelling in soccer, track, and football during his youth. In later years, he found joy in coaching and refereeing soccer games well past middle age, and in sharing his love of tennis by teaching through a program at the Seaside Park public courts.

Special occasions for travel were a tremendous highlight, with many favorite destinations across the U.S., including trips to Alaska in all seasons, and for some powder skiing in the Rocky Mountains. Don and Linda greatly enjoyed several forays into Europe, with England, France, and a river cruise in Germany providing once in a lifetime experiences. Family trips to Vermont over the years created lasting memories skiing together and embracing the best of the icy east.

Don's legacy will forever be remembered by all whose lives he touched. His warmth, wisdom, and enthusiasm for life will always be missed.

In addition to his parents, Don is predeceased by his brothers, Arthur Edgar Balser, Jr., Bernard Wentworth Balser, David Kimball Balser, and Dana Balser, and by his beloved grandparents, Josiah Bishop and Grace Edna (Kimball) Wentworth, and Perley Arthur and Florence Isabel (Shea) Balser.

Don leaves his wife, Linda (Goodwin) Balser of Marblehead, his son Andrew Wentworth Balser, his granddaughter Madeleine Isabel Balser (with whom he shared a particularly special connection - go kart racing, movie and popcorn gathering at Chet's, and leisurely walks to Terry's Ice Cream). He also leaves many nieces and nephews including Arthur Edgar Balser, III of Danvers and Dr. Dana Balser of Palmyra, Virginia.

ARRANGEMENTS: Friends and family are invited to a graveside service for Don which will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 11 A.M. at Waterside Cemetery, 294 W Shore Dr, Marblehead. ( Please meet at the main entrance ) Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, 84 Washington Square, (At Salem Common) SALEM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice; Don would definitely appreciate that (he wasn't a big flower guy). To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.