Donald W. Moxley

Donald W. Moxley, age 92, passed away peacefully at Norwichtown Rehabilitation & Care Center on March 19, 2017. He was born to W. Royden and Ethel (Relyea) Moxley in Cos Cob, Greenwich, CT on Dec. 17, 1924. After graduation from Greenwich High Don worked briefly as a machinist and on a farm in upstate New York prior to his induction in the Army in May 1943. After basic training, Don was sent to England and received additional training in a broad set of skills, from heavy equipment operations to landing craft piloting. He served in Normandy, northern France, and Germany. The posting he most often talked about was in the “Army’s Navy” as a crewmember on a tugboat in Cherbourg Harbor, moving ships and supplies for the war effort. Don received an Expert Rifle qualification during his time in service. After separating from active service, Don attended the University of Connecticut, majoring in Industrial Management and received a bachelor’s degree. Don was an active member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and the UCONN Aviation Club. His post-graduation employment included a position at Curtis 1000. In 1954 Don married Dorothy G. Wright of Kingston, Ontario Canada. They lived in Hartford, CT for a short period then moved to Noank, CT in the fall of 1955 where Don began teaching at Noank Elementary School until his retirement in 1980. Don and his wife, Dot, were members of Noank Baptist Church. After retiring from teaching, Don worked at The Whaler’s Inn in Mystic, CT until fully retiring. Don and his family moved to Preston, CT in 1975 and in 1976 they joined Preston City Congregational Church. Don was a dedicated Deacon, Chairman of the Standing Committee, and Church Moderator. Don is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dorothy (Dot); daughter Lee and husband Cornell McNair; son Ian; grandchildren Katherine and Harrison McNair; and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his brothers Robert of Ocala, FL and Arthur of Longmont, CO. Calling hours will be held from 5PM to 7PM, Thursday, March 23rd at the Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich, CT. Funeral services will be held at 11AM, Friday, March 24th, at the Preston City Congregational Church, 321 Rte. 164, in Preston, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Preston City Congregational Church. To share a memory or express a condolence, please visit: www.churchandallen.com.