Donald "Dino" Edward Drinkwater Jr. Obituary (1955 - 2026)

Greenbush, ME – Donald “Dino” Edward Drinkwater Jr., 71, passed away on February 21, 2026, after a period of illness. Born on January 18, 1955, to the late Donald Drinkwater Sr. and Cecile (Cote) Drinkwater, Dino earned his lifelong nickname in childhood when his sister Susan would climb on his back and declare he was her dinosaur. The name stuck, and so did the playful, big-hearted spirit behind it. Dino graduated from Old Town High School in 1973 and briefly attended Eastern Maine Community College, where he studied to become an electrician. It didn’t take long for him to realize that path wasn’t for him, his true calling had four wheels and an engine. Dino was a car man through and through. If it was broken, he could fix it. If it roared, rattled, or raced, he loved it. He worked at several local garages over the years, first alongside his friend Peewee and later with Tim and Daphne Pelletier. Dino’s knowledge, skill, and natural mechanical instinct earned him the respect of those he worked with and the trust of countless customers. Cars weren’t just his job, they were his passion. For approximately 15 years, he was a proud member of a pit crew at Speedway 95, where he thrived on the adrenaline, camaraderie, and excitement of race day. Beyond engines and racetracks, Dino appreciated life’s simple pleasures. He loved riding his side-by-side, watching NASCAR, reading, especially Star Trek, and football (a passion many believe was lovingly encouraged by his late wife, Peggy). Dino and Peggy (Bellarion) married in 1986 and shared 37 devoted years together before her passing in 2023. Their love was steady, enduring, and central to his life. Dino is survived by his sisters, Susan Stevens and Donna Risley and her husband Howard; his nieces and nephews, Patti Elston, Brian Risley, Heidi Risley Whitaker, Elizabeth Stevens, Kevin Stevens, Craig Stevens, and Emily Stevens Porter; his dear friends Peewee, Tim and Daphne Pelletier; and his special “grandson,” Clarke, who brought him great pride and joy. He is predeceased by his parents. Dino will be remembered for his mechanical talent, his loyalty to friends and family, his quiet passions, and the simple, steady way he lived his life. He leaves behind the echo of revving engines, race-day cheers, and the love of those who knew him best. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the EMCC Foundation for their Automotive Technology program. Donations can be made at www.emcc.edu/emcc-foundation/donations or sent to 354 Hogan Road Bangor, ME attention Automotive Department. Burial will take place this summer with additional information to follow