Donald Edward Ahlberg

Donald Edward “Don” Ahlberg, 88, of South Glastonbury, loving husband to the late Evelyn “Evie” (Schultz) Ahlberg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 7, 2022. At the time he passed, Don was surrounded by his family in the home that he built and lived in. Don was born April 10, 1934 in Waterbury, one of three children to the late Alexis William and Frieda (Gramitt) Ahlberg. The family moved to Hartford and he graduated from Bulkeley High School and continued his education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Trinity College. During the Korean Conflict, Don served as a member of the National Guard, based at Bradley Field. Following his service, Don was employed for many years as a Mechanical Engineer at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft.

Don had many interests outside of work. He was a member of the CT Horticulture Society, CT Arbor Society, Hartford Tropical Fish Club, Glastonbury Chorus, Friends of Nayaug, and was a frequent blood donor for the American Red Cross. He was a very active member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford and its craft group.

A true labor of love, Don and Evie designed and built their home in the Nayaug farming section of South Glastonbury. It has been described as a “sight to behold”. He raised animals and tended his flower, vegetable and fruit gardens and donated many of the crops to those in need. Other passions included hosting impressive gatherings for friends and family, making wine using fruit from his own gardens, and building his coin collection. He was also a generous benefactor to many charitable foundations, including Emanuel Lutheran Church and Trinity College.

Most of all, Don loved his family and spending time with them. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his nieces and nephews, Alan Ahlberg and his wife Peggy of Glastonbury, Eric Ahlberg of Exeter, RI, Amy Johanna Ahlberg of Pawtucket, RI, Scott Daniels and his wife Laurie of Dade City, FL and Sandra Murphy of Poughkeepsie, NY as well as his adored great nieces and great nephews, Kyle, Andrew, Matthew, Joseph and Sarah. He will also live on in the heart of his longtime companion, Pamela Cayward of East Granby and her family.

In addition to his wife and parents, Don was predeceased by his brother, Allan W. Ahlberg, sister and brother-in-law, Audrey M. (Ahlberg) and Gordon E. Daniels, sister-in-law Betty Schiedler and Keith Murphy, late husband of Sandra.

A memorial service celebrating Don’s life will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022 at 10 am in Emanuel Lutheran Church, 311 Capital Avenue, Hartford. Inurnment will follow the service in Hillside Cemetery, 27 Hillside Avenue, Terryville, CT 06786. (Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church the morning of the service). There are no calling hours. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 311 Capital Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106 or HHC Hospice at Home, c/o Hartford Hospital – Philanthropy, 80 Seymour Street, P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102-5037. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit glastonburyfuneralhome.com.