Donald P. Nuuttila, 78, of South Kingstown, RI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Born in Milwaukee, WI on April 20, 1948, Donald was the son of the late Albert S. and Jane (Perry) Nuuttila and brother to the late Janet “Tig”. Donald was the husband of 52 years to Rita (Kenyon) Nuuttila.

Donald proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy shortly after graduating from South Kingstown High School and enjoyed the travel that this opportunity gave him, first as a serviceman, then as a member of the Tin Can Sailors Association. Donald went on to work for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years from carrier to helping to implement the first computerized sorting system. Donald was an exceptional golfer and bowler. He could be creative and was known to help to make excellent class projects, Halloween costumes, and did all crossword puzzles in pen. Donald was a lover of tasty food, a wide variety of music genres, and was an avid reader. Donald had a unique sense of style, was “famously frugal” and had a “special way” with words.

In addition to his beloved wife, Rita, Donald is survived by his daughter, Jenny Nuuttila, of Farmington, NM; his son Thomas Nuuttila of South Kingstown, RI; his nieces and nephews, Michah Pignolet, Luke Pignolet, Bethany Harrington, Zach Fonomoana and Becca Beralas; and was an uncle and friend to countless generations of Kenyons.

Arrangements are in the care of Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St. Wakefield, RI 02879. A Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 4-7PM, and funeral services to be held at Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter at 10:30 on Friday July 24.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Tin Can Sailors P.O. Box 100 Somerset, MA 02726-0100 or www.destroyers.org or your local animal rescue.