Donald Wellington Knipe was born on April 6, 1932 and passed from this earth on December 11, 2022. He was 90 years and eight months young and sharp as a tack till the very end. His humor and sharp wit enabled his family members to enjoy his very last days as well as the 90 years prior.
He will be missed by many, his daughter and son-in-law Patricia and Philip Gioia. His daughter Carol LaCalamito and her children Danielle Lacalamito, Michael Lacalamito and son-in-law Anthony LaCalamito and great granddaughter Annabella.
His grandchildren who were with him to the end, Lauren Gioia Stowell, Jillian Gioia Jarrin and Douglas Gioia, grandson-in-laws; Tyler Stowell and Kevin Jarrin. He is survived by grandchildren Christopher Fitzmaurice and Taylor Fitzmaurice and son-in-law Michael Fitzmaurice.
He is survived by the children who made his eyes twinkle, his great grandchildren; Sabrina Gioia, Zachary and Michael Stowell, Mackenzie Jarrin and Annabella LaCalamito.
He is predeceased by his wife Ruth who passed in 2011, his grandson Philip who he loved beyond measure, and his youngest daughter Dawn Fitzmaurice.
Donald proudly served in the Marines, dropping out of high school at 17 to serve like so many of his fellow service members. He was honorably discharged in November, 1952. He received his GED shortly thereafter.
He married Ruth McWilliams in 1955 and started a family in the Bronx. Patricia Ellen, Carol Ann and Dawn Marie were his three daughters. He swore he never wanted his life to be any different.
Donald's first job was at the age of five at the produce store between Decatur and Hull Avenue on 204th St. in the Bronx. He delivered produce to the folks in the neighborhood. He was paid .25 cents a week and handed that to his mother weekly. His mother was a single mom by that time and .25 cents sounded like such a small amount but it helped support his mother and two siblings. He was given .05 cents weekly by his mother and spent that at the Bainbridge Movie theater for a double feature and a cartoon. How different times were then.
Donald was a patron of McDwyers Pub while in the Bronx, and many relationships and friendships were formed that lasted forever.
He and Ruth moved to Connecticut in 1991, forming lasting bonds in Danbury and Bethel.
Don was cared for and loved by the amazing staff at Glen Hill in Danbury as well as Regional Hospice in Danbury, CT. The family is forever grateful for the comfort, safety and care that was given.
Donald passed peacefully, surrounded by love and family.
Calling hours will be held at Green Funeral Home on December 14, 2022 from 3pm - 6pm. A Funeral Service will be held at 5:30pm. Burial of Ashes will be on December 21, 2022 at St. Mary Cemetery in Bethel, CT.
