Donald "Don" W. Gove

Donald “Don” W. Gove, 84, of Wethersfield, beloved husband of Karen (Merlo) Gove for 59 years, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Born in Hartford on February 5, 1942, he was the son of the late Walter James Gove and Ruth (Swanson) Gove.

Don graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1960 and earned his associate degree from Central Connecticut State University. He proudly served in the U.S. Air National Guard as a Sergeant at the Bradley International Airport Fire Department. Don worked at Olivetti-Underwood, A-Copy, and Aetna before founding his own home improvement company, Gove Restoration LLC, which he operated with his sons until his retirement in 2012.

A lifelong volunteer, Don coached youth sports and generously gave his time to the Jerry Lewis Telethon, his sons’ schools, and Project Safe Graduation, along with various other causes close to his heart. He was also a dedicated member of First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, where he served as an usher and property committee member, while volunteering at many church events.

Don was a member of the Elks and an avid fan of the New York Yankees, UConn Huskies basketball, and NASCAR. He especially enjoyed spending time at Point O’ Woods Beach in South Lyme, where he loved fishing, crabbing, and boating. Always active, Don found joy in dancing, bowling, golfing, bike riding, gardening, woodworking, crafting, and competing in the National Rifle Association’s Junior Division. He was known for his generosity, quick wit and warm personality, forming meaningful friendships wherever he went.

In addition to his devoted wife, Karen, Don will be forever missed by his three sons: Adam Gove and his wife Alicia, David Gove, and Matthew Gove and his wife Maggie, all of Wethersfield; and by his five adored grandchildren, who brought him immense joy: Madeliene, Harrison, Charlotte, Emilia, and Violet.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. Burial with military honors will be private. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20 at the First Church of Christ, 250 Main Street in Wethersfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Don’s name to Mikey’s Place (https://www.mikeysplace.org/donate) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).