Obits pg 8 12-2-21
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Donald W. Smith
DANIELSON — Donald W. Smith, 69, of Danielson, died Nov. 23, 2021, at Hartford Hospital. Born Jan. 6, 1952, in Willimantic, and raised in Pomfret, he was the son of the late Bernard and Lorraine (Michaud) Smith.
He graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in human communications and went on to receive an MBA from the Hartford Graduate Center.
He worked for many years in higher education at the Hartford Graduate Center, primarily in communications.
He concluded his career at Pratt & Whitney, working on employee development.
Don excelled in his profession by using his exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Don had several hobbies that he enjoyed.
He spent many years golfing and fishing with close friends and family members.
He was an avid card player, and especially enjoyed playing cribbage with his two daughters.
He played baseball during his time at Pomfret School and enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees and the New York Giants.
He had a true passion for writing, often journaling and writing short stories or song lyrics.
Don also loved to dance and would never pass up a good slow dance.
Later in life, he spent much of his time with a group of friends that referred to themselves as The ROMEO’s “Retired Old Men Eating Out”. He was a funny, kind, and loving man.
He leaves his partner Janet Herrmann of Danielson; two daughters, Jami M. Smith (Brian Creamer) of Haddon Township, N.J., and Leah C. Caruso (Stephen) of Needham, Mass.; two sisters Christine M. Smith of Woodstock and Jane E. SmithRuta (Christopher) of Dayville; 4 granddaughters: Myla Caruso, Everly Caruso, and step-granddaughters Jayla Creamer and Amita Creamer; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and cousins.
Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 in Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church Street, Putnam.
The Funeral Mass will be at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 4 in Most Holy Trinity Church.
Donations: Pomfret School, 398 Pomfret St., PO Box 128, Pomfret, CT 06258; the ASPCA (www.aspca.org).
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