Donald Bruce Prosser

Donald Bruce Prosser, age 82, of Boca Raton, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, in Boca Raton, Florida. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday, February 10th, with a service beginning at 10am in the chapel at the Boca Raton Mausoleum.   

Born on September 10, 1943, in Rhode Island, Donald was the cherished son of the late Constance Josephine Prosser and Oswald Prosser. He was raised in Rhode Island and carried his New England roots, work ethic, and straight-talking spirit with him throughout his life.

Donald was the beloved husband of the late Valerie Teresa Prosser and a devoted father to the late Terrie Ann Bechaz-Ardente. He is survived by his older sister, Constance Diaz, whom he lovingly called “Sister,” and by many nieces and nephews from his late brothers Oswald Prosser, aka Junior, Gregory Prosser, and Christian Prosser, as well as his late sister, Joyce Deborah Hopkins. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rose and Larry Shaw and their children Tyler and Haley. He was a generous uncle, loyal friend, and cherished presence in the lives of many in Rhode Island, Florida, and across the world.

Donald began working at a very young age, shining shoes and quickly learning lessons that would define his life: responsibility, fairness, and the importance of understanding the true cost of doing business. Even then, he showed a natural knack for entrepreneurship, famously learning to deduct his expenses before sharing his profits. He graduated from Central High School in Providence, Rhode Island, in June of 1961.

Over the course of more than four decades, Donald built an extraordinary career in the home improvement industry as an entrepreneur, owner, and hands-on manager. He founded and grew multiple small businesses from the ground up, transforming simple startup operations into successful enterprises.  He took immense pride in earning the trust and respect of customers, banks, suppliers, and the communities he served. That same care and integrity extended to his personal life, where he cultivated a close-knit circle of friends. Donald was an inspiration to many because nothing in his life was handed to him. He fought for every success, worked relentlessly, and remained grounded and grateful.

Donald and Valerie lived a life rich in experience, including international travel that allowed them to connect with people from all walks of life around the world. They enjoyed beautiful homes together in Rhode Island and Florida. Donald was unwaveringly devoted to his wife Valerie and their daughter Terrie, caring for them through their health battles until their final moments and dropping everything for those he loved. At the end of his life, Donald was at peace, ready to be reunited with them, and unafraid of what came next.

Donald knew how to take care of people. He had a rare gift for making others feel better after spending time with him. He was direct, asked great questions, and was the kind of man people simply wanted to be around, especially to hear his stories. A jokester at heart, he loved stirring things up just enough to keep life interesting, always with a twinkle in his eye. He was not afraid to say “I love you,” and he meant it. In his later years, those who met him often remarked, without prompting, what a wonderful, solid, genuinely good man he was.

Donald enjoyed life’s simple pleasures be it an IPA, a fine restaurant, desserts with a touch of lemon, or games of chance. He was also a fiercely committed racquetball player and remained passionate about the game well into his late seventies. Many of his happiest hours were spent on the court, especially playing alongside his good friend Pedro Del Sol, a friendship built on competition, laughter, and mutual respect. He delighted in teaching children practical life lessons that stayed with them and took special joy in his nieces’ and nephews’ children and his friends’ grandchildren. His generosity, humor, discipline, and authenticity left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Donald Bruce Prosser will be remembered for his strength, integrity, wit, competitive spirit, and boundless heart. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely.

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