Donald Whiteley

Don was born on August 16, 1938, in Woonsocket, RI to the late Esther and Walter K. Whiteley. In 1957, he graduated from Burrillville High School in Harrisville, RI and subsequently enlisted and served from 1957-1961 in the United States Air Force. Don proudly served as an aircraft and missile electrical repairman for the 4080th Field Maintenance Squadron (Strategic Air Command). After the Air Force, Don attended Norwalk State Technical College and received his associate's degree in mechanical technology. He worked at Sikorsky Aircraft initially as a draftsman and then as a Senior Avionics Designer for approximately thirty years.

Don married Janice (Kelleher) on December 11, 1965, at the First Congregational Church of Stratford. They settled in Monroe and raised three children. He lived in the same home for nearly 60 years.

A lifelong advocate of community service, Don was an active member of the Monroe Lions Club for several decades. He served on their board most recently as Treasurer until six months ago. He was a proud member of the American Legion, Post 176, and served as Sergeant-at-Arms. Don also actively participated in the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association and was a member of Masonic Friendship Lodge #7. In his youth, he was a boy scout for several years and later assisted with the local troop at Monroe Congregational Church in the 1980’s.

Don was a decades long member of Monroe Congregational Church and faithfully served for years as a deacon and usher. He looked forward to volunteering at the church’s annual Strawberry Festival for nearly 50 years.

Don enjoyed being outdoors, working in the yard, fishing, tinkering with antique engines, and refurbishing his 1930 Model A Ford. He was an avid hockey and Boston Red Sox baseball fan and loved watching westerns.

Don cherished time spent with his family, especially his eight grandchildren and two great-grandsons. He will be remembered for his servant’s heart, patriotic, gentle, and kind soul, infectious laugh, and his fervent love of God and his family.

Don is preceded in death by Janice, his beloved wife of 43 years.

Don’s greatest pride and joy was his children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons. He is survived by his three children and their families: daughter Maureen (Rob Willhite), son Scott (Danielle Sirois), and son Brian (Kara Little-Whiteley). His beloved grandchildren are Amanda Cano (Brendan), Bethany Willhite, Courtney Willhite, Caitlin Sanchez (Jon), Mason Whiteley, Sara Whiteley, Ryan Willhite, and Erin Whiteley. Archer and Maverick Cano are his cherished great-grandsons.

Don also is survived by his older sister, Barbara Condon of Rhode Island, several cousins, nieces, and great nephews.

A celebration of life memorial service, officiated by the Rev. Jennifer Gingras, will be held later this spring, on Saturday June 7, 2025, at 11:00am at Monroe Congregational Church, 34 Church St. Monroe, CT. Burial with military honors will follow later this year at the convenience of the family at West Thompson Cemetery in West Thompson, CT. Arrangements are by Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Don Whiteley may be given to:

Monroe Lions Club

P.O. Box 10

Monroe, CT 06468

Norma Bissell

Attn: American Legion

6 Tollgate Rd.

Monroe, CT 06468

Monroe Congregational Church

34 Church St.

Monroe, CT 06468

The family of Don wishes to extend our sincerest thanks to the wonderfully devoted caregivers at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Cambridge Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Hartford Healthcare Hospice.