Doni Cyr

ROCHESTER - Doni Raymond Cyr, 29, formerly of 30 Betts Road, Rochester, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital from Congenital Hydrocephalus.Born Feb. 11, 1980 in Rochester, N.H., son of Patrick R. and Marcia (Bailey) Cyr, he received educational and residential services through Community Partners, Inc of Dover. He was frequently observed participating in various Day Program activities within the Strafford County community.He resided more recently in Barrington with his home-provider, Roudy Joseph. They were an inseparable pair and it was commonly known that Roudy doted on Doni and provided excellent care and companionship for the young client placed in his charge. Doni attended Rochester public schools with the support of family, friends and enlightened school officials, Dr. Raymond Yeagley and Michael Hopkins. He broke new ground and was one of the first students with significant special abilities to be schooled side by side with traditional students. Doni was enabled to succeed due to the extraordinary efforts of Susan Crichton, his professional aide, and the teachers and students within his classes. In April 1991, Doni became the first student with significant challenges to ride on the regular school bus rather than special-provider buses.Doni enjoyed swimming, piano, bowling and eating. His piano playing could be described as possessing "savant" characteristics in both quality and style.Members of his family include his parents, Patrick and Marcia Cyr of Rochester; two brothers, Brian of Farmington, and Jeremy, of Orange, Mass.; his sister, Nicole of Fitchburg, Mass.; and a "Circle of Friends" within Strafford County and beyond.Family and friends may call on Thursday, Dec. 17, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the R.M. Edgerly and Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St., Rochester.Family and friends are welcome to a memorial service on Friday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Rochester, 63 South Main St.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to his memory to the New England Organ Bank. To express condolences, please visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits. Interment is planned in the spring at a location to be determined.Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits