1952 – 2021
Danielson – Donald W. Smith, 69, of Danielson, passed away November 23, 2021, at Hartford Hospital. Born January 6, 1952 in Willimantic, CT, and raised in Pomfret, CT, he was the son of the late Bernard and Lorraine (Michaud) Smith.
Don graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Communications and went on to receive a Master of Business Administration 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 utilizing his exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Don had several hobbies that he enjoyed throughout his life. 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. Don was a lover of sports. 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”. To Don’s loved ones, he will always be remembered as a funny, kind, and loving man.
Don is survived by his partner Janet Herrmann of Danielson; two daughters, Jami M. Smith and her husband Brian Creamer of Haddon Township, NJ, and Leah C. Caruso and her husband Stephen of Needham, MA. He is also survived by two sisters Christine M. Smith of Woodstock and Jane E. SmithRuta and her husband Christopher of Dayville; 4 granddaughters: Myla Caruso, Everly Caruso, and stepgranddaughters Jayla Creamer and Amita Creamer; and several beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Don’s family from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, December 3, 2021, in Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church Street, Putnam, CT. A funeral Mass will be held at 12:30 pm on Saturday, December 4, 2021, in Most Holy Trinity Church, 568 Pomfret Road, Pomfret, CT. Memorial donations may be made to Pomfret School, 398 Pomfret Street, PO Box 128, Pomfret, CT 06258 or the ASPCA (www.aspca.org) in honor of the many dogs that left a lasting impression on his life. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Marshall Eaton
Our condolences to all who loved Donald. Ginny and I will miss him
Marshall & Ginny Eaton
John Herrmann
I am so sorry for your loss. Don was a good man and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Jim & Leah Haven
Very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Kathryn Casey
Jane and Christine
So sorry on the loss of your brother
Kathryn Casey
Aimee-Rose
The best advice I’ve ever received and still use to this day “do the two: pay attention and be careful”. Love you always, Uncle Don.
Angela Buonannata
To Don’s entire family,
Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers.
I worked with Don for many, many years at The Hartford Graduate Center and have the best memories of our friendship. I will cherish them forever.
Rest in eternal peace now my friend.
Cathy Miller
My deepest sympathy to you all. I know how much you all love him and will miss him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marianne Cote
Dear “Smith Family”,
I remember with love and smiles our “cousin times”. I know Don is sharing them now with Michael and Michelle. Love and prayers to the entire family!
Marianne
Carol Bibeau
Janet and Don’s Family,
There are times when the right words just do not exist, this is one of those time. I hope that you are comforted by years of wonderful memories, the caring of family and friends
and the healing power of time.
~Carol Bibeau
Roberta Sharpe
My sincerest condolences to the family.
Kathy BUtremovic
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Christine and Jane and Families.
Fred Kral
I remember fondly of playing golf with Donald, Uncle Bernie, and my Dad at the Norwich Golf Course on the weekends when I was in my teens. I’m sure he is out with his Dad, Michael, Uncle Al, Uncle Marty, and my Dad right now in a heavenly sixsome. Love to all the Smiths.
Barry Solnick
I miss Don so much, and wish so much that we had spent more time together. Don was always fun, educational, and so easy to be with. I think his greatest quality was his sense of fatherhood. He was so very special in so many ways, and he will be sorely missed by so many family and friends.
Joann Caulder
My heart goes out to you all…may your hearts be filled with fond and loving memories
Marilyn Keeler (Eaton)
Jane and Christine
Sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Keep his memories close to your heart.