Background
Thurston, Donald Allen was born on April 2, 1930 in Gloucester, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Joseph Allen and Helen Ruth (Leach) Thurston.
Thurston, Donald Allen was born on April 2, 1930 in Gloucester, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Joseph Allen and Helen Ruth (Leach) Thurston.
Graduate, Massachusetts Radio and Telegraph, 1949; HHD (honorary), North Adams (Massachusetts) State College, 1977; Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Emerson College, 1995.
Announcer, engineer, Station WTWN, St. Johnsbury, Vermont, 1949-1952; vice president, general manager, Station WIKE, Newport, Vermont, 1952-1960; vice president, treasurer, general manager, Station WMNB, North Adams, 1960-1966; president, treasurer, Berkshire Broadcasting Company, Inc., North Adams, since 1966. Board directors Broadcast Capital Fund, Inc., 1980-1996, Chairman of the Board, 1981-1989. Board directors Broadcast Music, Inc., New York City, since 1990, Chairman of the Board, 1994-1997.
President Northern Berkshire Industrial Development Corporation, 1965-1967. Commissioner Massachusetts Cmty. Antenna television Commission, 1972-1974.
Trustee Massachusetts College Liberal Arts, since 1991, vice chairman of the board of trustees, 1993-1996, chairman, since 1996. Member North Adams Chamber of Commerce (Hayden award 1967, president 1964-1967), National Association Broadcasters (director 1965-1969, 73-77, chairman radio 1976-1977, Chairman of the Board, chairman of the executive committee 1977-1979, Distinguished Svc. award 1980), Massachusetts Broadcasters Association (president 1964, Distinguished Svc. award 1964, 71, 78), Taconic Golf Club (Williamston, Massachusetts. Board directors 1975-1989).
Married Oralie Alice Lane, September 9, 1951. Children: Corydon Leach, Carolie Lane.