"Dear Kaull, Stack and Heffernan Families, We are so sorry to hear about Don. His wonderful personality lives on in all of you, and what a beautiful legacy he left. May he rest in peace. Our deepest sympathy and hugs, Judy, Drew, Hadley and Paige Colman"
In loving memory of
Donald N. Kaull
May 1, 1945 - November 26, 2022
Donald N. Kaull, 77, of Portsmouth, RI passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Miriam Hospital in Providence RI after a courageous battle with melanoma. Don was born on May 1, 1945 in Newport RI. He was the second of three sons to Charles T. Kaull and Hilda N. Kaull.
In 1967, Don married his high school sweetheart, Caroline Tennant Kaull, and for the past 55 years they enjoyed a wonderful marriage. Don was the proud father of three children; Elizabeth (Christopher) Stack, Katherine (Kevin) Heffernan, and John (Julie) Kaull. He was a loving grandfather to Annie Heffernan, Caroline Heffernan, Laura Heffernan, Kathryn Stack, Mary Stack, John Stack, Ellen Stack, Abigail Kaull, Jane Kaull, and Allie Kaull. Don also leaves his two brothers Charles T. Kaull, Jr. of Middletown, RI, and James T. Kaull of Newport, RI.
Don grew up in Newport and graduated from Rogers High School in 1963. While at Rogers, Don was president of his class and a member of both the basketball and baseball teams. In basketball, he was twice selected as first team All-State and was MVP of the state tournament in both his junior and senior years. Don was captain of the Rogers 1963 state championship team and played in the New England championships at Boston Garden. He was named to the Parade Magazine All-American team for his efforts. After graduating from Rogers, Don attended the University of Rhode Island where he was a member of the basketball team from 1963-1967. He helped lead the 1966 team to the NCAA Tournament and he served as captain his senior year. Don is a member of the Newport Sports Hall of Fame, Rogers High School Hall of Fame, the University of Rhode Island Hall of Fame and the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.
In his professional life, Don was a partner in the Packer Braman Insurance Agency and the Braman and White Insurance Agency. He was past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Rhode Island and past State National Director of the Independent Insurance Agents of America.
Throughout both his business career and retirement, Don was very active with the University of Rhode Island in various volunteer capacities and was the radio color analyst for the URI Men's basketball program for over 35 years. Don was inducted into the Words Unlimited Hall of Fame in 2018 for his work on the radio.
Don was an avid golfer. He was a past member of Wanumetonomy Golf Club and a current member of Newport Country Club. Another of Don's great passions was the upkeep and maintenance of his yard and pool. One of his greatest joys was sharing his home with family, friends and neighbors. Don was very active in the community; he was past president of the Newport County YMCA, past president of the Newport Lions Club, past chairman of the United Way of Newport County, past secretary of Hazard's Beach Club, current treasurer of Miskiania Camp and a current member of the Newport Fed Charitable Foundation.
Above all, his daily examples of kindness will forever be our guide.
Visiting Hours will be held on Friday, December 2, 2022 from 4:00-8:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 10:00am in St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Rd, Portsmouth.
Donations can be made in Don's memory to the Newport County YMCA, 792 Valley Rd, Middletown, RI.
Online tribute at www.memorialfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"I have known Don Kaull for 60 years, Dating back to when I played basketball against him at Thompson junior high for Warren junior high. He was the tallest player we met on the court in those days. Next met Don again in 1963 as freshmen at URI. Both of us pledged fraternities.. he phi mu delta and I phi gamma delta. Many of our brothers were Newporters as well. I routed for the Rhody Rams and Donny during those great teams. Later listened to his broadcasts of URI games with his expert commentary and sense of humor. He and Caroline were a loving couple on campus and raised a wonderful family which carries his legacy to future generations. That?s the greatest tribute you can give during your life after all. Bette and I are away and missed expressing our tribute in person. God Bless Don Kaull and his wonderful family! "
"Unable to attend services, but definitely had you and your family in my thoughts and prayers as you gave tribute to such a ?good and kind man?. Planning high school reunions with him over the years or just bumping into him around town, always left me with the thought, ?Donny Kaull is such a great guy?. The world will miss him. Gerrie Beebe"
"To all of the Kaull family..... I am so sorry for your loss. Don was as good as any soul can be. Domenic Colaiacomo Phi Mu '69"
"Don leaves a tremendous legacy, not only because of his contributions to Rhode Island basketball, but also because of his love of community and the way he impacted so many lives in our state. A life well lived!"
"To all his family. I remember Don, at Rogers. I graduated 1966 and his name stayed on top with all he did for Rogers and the basketball team throughout his years and all he did gor Newport's Insurance companies. Simply Kathy OConnors Hangsleben. "
"Dear Caroline, Donnie had a way of making everyone he knew feel special. I will always cherish the time spent with him both on the court and off, and how lucky I felt to have him as my Mu big brother. He was a kind and giving person and a rarity in this world. I am very sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and to all the Kaull family."
"Dear Caroline So sorry for your and RI loss. Don was one of the greatest and kindest guys I knew. Our world will be a more empty without him. He and you are in my prayers. Ron Renzi"
"To the Kaull family: Sorry for your loss. Don was a great guy and the kindest person. The world is a better place because of Don. I was on the RHS baseball team with Don. May he Rest In Peace. God bless: Billy Eckert "
"Dear Caroline, Ann and I were deeply saddened to learn of Donnie's passing. He was a very special guy who gave so much to sports, his family and community. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Ted and Ann Turcotte"
"Always the highlight of my day to see Mr Kaull out on the golf course. He had a way of making you feel like you were the most important part of his day. Loved this man! Rest in peace Mr Kaull. Love and prayers to the family - Jim"
"Truly one of the great ones whose legacy will live on with his children and grandchildren. "
"Don was a great role model for all of us who grew up in Newport. I will never forget his kindness towards me and my family and all of the great advice he gave me as a young basketball player and coach. I was truly saddened to hear this news today. Mrs. Kaul, Don and your family will be in my prayers. Chris Perrotti"
"ON BEHALF OF NEWPORT, PC, AND THJE MURPHY FAMILY, CONDOLENCES CAROLINE AND FAMILY,ON THE DEATH OF DONALD. WHAT A LEGACY!!!!!! MAY GOD BLESS US ALL. "
"Cal, Donny was such a kind person and the family you built together is a wonderful reflection of your love. Sending love to you all. Gail and Anthony"
"So many wonderful memories of Don from URI glory to his years of guiding Aquidneck Island in his quiet, humble demeanor! An unmatched legacy for sure. "
"Life seems a little less light without Mr. Kaull. Certainly the neighborhood feels darker. Heavy heart for Kaull family. His friendly, kind spirit will be missed. I will forever be grateful for Don's empathic generosity. We will miss his friendly smile and wave while on his tractor/lawn mover. Much love to Caroline and their beautiful family xxxooo "
"Caroline and Family. We are so sorry to hear about Don.?s passing. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Betty and Gerry Espanola "
"Mrs Kaull, Liz, Katie and John, I'm so very sorry for your loss. You're all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Maryanne (Ferry) Sawyer"
"I want to extend my sincerest sympathies to the Kaull family on behalf of Rhode Island College Athletics. Don was just one of the nicest people I have ever met. Extremely knowledgeable, very engaging, and he loved everything about sports in our state and especially in Kingston. God speed Don! Don Tencher Director of Athletics Rhode Island College "
"Our deepest sympathy to the Kaull Family. Rest in Peace. "
"Liz, Katie, John and Mrs Kaull, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers and comfort during this difficult time. Your dad was always so very kind and patient during those summers of cheer practices at the home. Will remember him fondly. Thinking of you all, Ellen Wilber"
"I played basketball at LaSalle the same years Don was at Rogers. It was a spirited and healthy rivalry. I haven?t seen or heard from him since those days but often wished l had another opportunity. He was a good sport and a good guy. My condolences to his family. Paul Mulcahey, East Moline, Illinois"
"Sending prayers!"
"Don was one of the kindest persons I've ever met. If nothing else he was a true gentleman. It's hard to put into words how much Don meant to his family and friends. Mike Scandura"
"Don Kaull was a true legend and a fantastic ambassador for Rhode Island basketball but, even more importantly, he was a real gentleman and undoubtedly one of the nicest people you could ever meet. Our sincere condolences to Caroline and the entire Kaull family. Janet & Walter Boyle"
"Friends of Donald Kaull today are deeply saddened to learn about our loss. I first met Don in the 70's at his insurance business and found a new Newport friend. Learning about his basketball achievements.... after I founded WOTB-FM (107.1) in Middletown-Newport we added high school basketball to our active local programming. When Rodgers and Middletown High Schools met in 1981.....(my son Todd was a member of this team heading for the state championship) ..I invited Don to join me behind the microphones to call the play by play action. Don's introduction was outstanding and I believed that evening he had a future in radio.. Our sincere wishes to Caroline and family! Ron and Barbara Hickman, Hattiesburg, MS ronbarbhickman@gmail.com ."
"Caroline and Family - Don was such a special friend and was so giving to the URI family. I will cherish every moment we all spent together on the courts and the fairways. The Schanne and Wiler Family's have you in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Mike Schanne URI Hoops 1969"
"The world will not be the same without Don Kaull. Instead, it will be a better place because of his exemplary character both on and off the "court." He was a true gentleman who touched the lives of so many people, especially with his abundant kindness. Thank you, Don, for all you did to make the world around you truly a better place!! Flo and Frank Oliveira"
"It is with very heavy regret that we learned of the death of Don he was a truly inspirational man To Caroline and the entire Kaull family please accept our deepest condolences Joe Jean Flood"
"The world has just lost a great spirit:. One of the kindest, most gracious gentleman we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. We wish the entire Kaull family great strength during this time of grieving, and we hold you in our hearts. With deepest sympathy. Peter and Cynthia Chick"
"In my 40 plus years at URI, I worked with a lot of wonderful people. Don was always someone I looked forward to seeing and speaking with. Besides his tremendous career, Don put URI Golf on the map with us hosting the Adams Cup at Newport Country Club. My Family's deepest sympathy to Caroline and the Kaull family. RIP my friend. John F. Vanner, URI Assoc AD [retired]"
"I am saddened to here of the passing of Don. Kaull. Don's accomplishments in sports and life will live on through his great and many deeds, friendships and indomitable and enduring spirit. He was truly a good man and true Aquidneck Island legend. Don will be missed."
"Rest in Peace, Don Kaull!"
"I? have such good memories of Caroline and ?Donny? from Rogers and URI - a wonderful example of friendship and love entwined! Even though it?s been many years, I can imagine the empty hole he?s left with his passing. Holding all of you up in prayer and sending love to the east coast. "
"My deepest sympathies to all, it is the hardest death a family member ever has to endure. My beloved Fran Irish died last Dec 21;, 2021. Fran was welcoming him Home to be with lots of Don?s friends ,these great guys all together sport friends. Oh ,the ball games they will be having. The heavens will be rocking and shaking . Keep him alive with stories and lots of photos and videos again my deepest sympathies to all, life will continue but it will never be the same. My family and friends have been with me this last year and if not for them I don?t know how I would have be able to move from day-to the next . Your family will help you. They will be your support team love and God Bless Linda Irish"
"Wishing each and every one of you much love and support during the passing of your beloved husband, dad, and grandfather. What a wonderful man who will be sorely missed. Thinking of all of you and the sweet memories ? with love, Mark and Susan Grande and family "
"Don, was one of the nicest guys always helped me with the Auctions I ran for URI sports. donating his time and of course foursomes at Newport CC. Don and Caroline were always so nice and friendly. Enjoyed listening to Don on the radio.will always be remembered. One of my best stories in getting ready to tee off at Bethpage Black and who hollers out how did you pull this off. Don, was in Long Island for a wedding and had taken a ride over to see the course. Don, rest in peace you are one of the best . I"ll remember you always Jeff Chase "
"Don will always be remembered as a very loving and caring man. He was very humble and always willing to help others. He will be missed."
"We are SOOO very sorry to hear of Donny's passing. Y'all were such great neighbors for many, many years. I am imagining Donny cutting the grass in heaven (seemed like every time we were riding our bikes he was cutting the grass) and creating a fabulous estate like he did on Earth. My thoughts are with all of you. Hugs to you all!!"
"We will all miss Don, a man of enormous talents, wonderful personality and a friend to all. We send our sincerest sympathy to Caroline and their family for their loss and Rhode Island's loss. He was truly a man for all seasons; basketball season his favorite. His life and the legacy he leaves is inspirational and lives on. God bless. Him and his family on this sad day. With sympathy, Ron and Kati Machtley"
"Caroline and Family, We are so very sorry to hear of Don's passing. We attended high school the same years and it was great fun watching him on the basketball courts and baseball fields! Many fond memories he has left us with for sure! You will be GREATLY missed Donnie! Thanks for the memories! Rian and Sue Wilkinson"
"The nicest human being and friend anyone could have he gave so much and asked for nothng in return. Rest in peace "
"It is hard to put into words how much Don meant to our family during the 18 years we lived across the street in Boro Heights. As for memories, there are so many ? but one of our favorites is when ?Santa Don? by surprise entered through our back porch. Although our young children, Lynn & Eric, saw Don every day across the street, they had absolutely no idea this jolly ?Ho-Ho-Ho? Santa Claus? was actually ?Mr. Kaull?! Now to learn of Don?s passing is so very sad for all of us. Lynn?s long-time Portsmouth friend, Becky, let her know right away. Now all four of us (Lynn in NY and Eric in Italy) send our deep and loving sympathy to you, Caroline - and to Liz, Katie, John and your families. Jim & Suzanne Bishop "
"We are SO sorry to hear of Donny's passing, we are shocked and devastated...may the beautiful memories ease the pain.with love and sympathy, Parvaneh and Steve Horan "
"Rhode Island has lost one of its very best. I don?t mean only URI, I mean the entire state. Rest In Peace DK. Caroline and family, sorry for your loss. Rich Eudicone Naples, FL"
"I?m so sorry to hear about your father. Sending love to the whole Kaull family during this difficult time. Warmly, Jenn Lord Fallon ( college friend of Katie and Liz)"
"Caroline and family, We have lost a great human being. Don will always be remembered as a true gentleman and one of the most respected people who always had the kindest disposition. He will be missed. May he rest in peace John Gonsalves "