Southern Jewelry News

A somber mood blankets the jewelry industry as lifelong colleagues and friends mourn the loss of 70 year old Donald LeStage, III. Don passed away suddenly on February 14th from heart failure at his home in Attleboro, Massachusetts where he’d lived for 45 years.

As a 47 year veteran in the industry, Don joined LeStage Manufacturing Company after obtaining his English Literature degree at Trinity College and marrying his childhood acquaintance, Karolyn Linda Cole. LeStage Manufacturing began in 1863 and was already over 100 years old when Don joined the business and started selling product across the country. After his father died in 1979 Don took over the business with his two brothers, Dick and Garner assuming executive roles as well. His leadership, along with the help of his brothers, is credited with steering the 147 year old company through the turbulence of the most recent recession.

Don made a name for himself in the jewelry industry through his active participation in various business organizations. He was a member of The Jewelers Board of Trade, the Boston Jewelers Club and the 24 Karat Club of NY. Perhaps he is best known for his environmental activism outside of the industry which resulted in the creation of the Attleboro Land Trust, a 57 acre family farm donated by Don’s family.

“Don was known for his kindness within our industry, and we all know just how kind and compassionate jewelry people are, regardless of competition,” remarks long-time friend Paul Machiels of Charms Plus.

“Garner and I will continue to run our company as if he were here,” says Dick LeStage. “His absence is a huge hole we’ll never fill, but we’ll continue in order to honor what mattered to him the most – relationships.”

Left behind is Don’s wife Linda, daughter Julie and son Gregg. He also leaves two brothers, Garner and Dick, and five grandchildren.