Donald Hause died at age 64 on Sept. 18, 2024, after a 10-year battle with cancer. He is remembered by friends, family, and community members for his humor and his legacy of public service in Swampscott.
Hause’s wife, Kim, and their three children—Adam, Gabby, and Andrew—recall his laughter and commitment to both family and community.
Kim and Gabby both said Hause was “larger than life” and never gave up in his fight.
Gabby Hause, a junior at Michigan State University, said growing up with her dad so deeply involved in the town was fun because people often came up to her to share stories about him.
“He was just a huge personality and a great role model to look up to,” she said.
She added that her dad taught her the value of respecting different opinions and working alongside others despite disagreements.
Kim Hause remembers being hesitant when her husband first ran for the Select Board. She said that people often forgot he had a full-time job in real estate because of his dedication to the town.
“He took it very seriously, but he didn’t campaign seriously,” she said, adding that his humor shined through in his campaigns, especially when he made fun signs for him and the kids to hold.
Gabby said she thinks of her dad whenever she drives through town and sees people gathered together, reflecting his impact on the community.
“He loved this town. He loved the community. He loved the people he was able to work with. And I know, at the end of the day, the people who worked and served for this town became so important to him,” Gabby said. “It became more than just business.”
Peter Spellios, who served on the Select Board and Zoning Board of Appeals with Hause for nearly 20 years, met him shortly after moving to Swampscott in 2001.
He recalls Hause’s humor in all settings—whether with friends, family, or at town meetings—and how Hause’s love for his family was evident in every conversation.
“What most people remember, and what I remember, is that Don was very funny,” Spellios said. “But what became clear to me over the days, months, and years afterwards, was that the fun wasn’t just about humor. It was about bringing joy and giving people joy around him. He loved making people feel good.”
Spellios said Hause became one of his closest friends over the years.
“One of the best things that happened to me during my years volunteering for the town is the people I got to know, and Don is at the top of the list,” Spellios said.
To see Hause’s impact on Swampscott, he added, “just look around.”
“It’s a better place. It’s a more accepting place. It’s a place that stresses community for all. It’s a place where we’ve evolved, and we’ve brought together a lot of divergent groups to support the community—and Don was at the center of that,” Spellios said.
Select Board member David Grishman said he met Hause when he decided to run for his position in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grishman reached out to Hause for advice about the responsibilities of being on the Select Board.
“When you were talking with him, he was fully focused on you. You were the most important person he was speaking with and engaging with,” Grishman said. “That was something incredibly special, something you don’t see every day.”
During his battle with cancer, Grishman said, Hause continued to serve the town.
“Residents of the town should know that Don Hause did not quit on the Town of Swampscott. He persevered, kept going, and kept moving forward,” Grishman said.