Donald Guilmette

Donald J. Guilmette, 74, of South Windsor, loving husband of 54 years of the late Dolores “Dee” (DelMastro) Guilmette, passed away peacefully to join his beloved wife on Friday, November 7, 2014 with his devoted family by his side. Born in Berlin, NH on November 20, 1939, a son of the late Robert A. and Yvette (Aubin) Guilmette, he had been a resident of South Windsor for the past 49 years. Don was a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1957 and a proud member of the Connecticut Air National Guard 103rd Fighter Group for 20 years, where he served during the Vietnam Era. Prior to his retirement in 2003, Don was the owner and operator with his wife, Dee, of Century Parties on School Street, East Hartford for 28 years. Don was a talented craftsman and entrepreneur who enjoyed carpentry, making furniture and building a home. He was an automobile enthusiast throughout his years and was a “project man” who liked keeping busy and completing whatever projects needed to be finished. Don was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who loved spending time with his entire family. Don will be remembered as a true gentleman, who was respected by all who knew him.

Don is survived by his two sons, Rob Guilmette and his wife, Christine, of South Windsor, Jason Guilmette and his wife, Leesa, of South Windsor; four cherished grandchildren, Natalie, Nicholas, Luke, and Emily Guilmette all of South Windsor. He also leaves a brother, Roger Guilmette and his wife, Jean, of Enfield; a brother-in-law, Michael DelMastro and his wife, Karen, of Acworth, GA; a dear cousin who was like a daughter to Don and Dee, Jo Cleary and her husband, Scott, of South Glastonbury; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends.

Funeral service will be Tuesday (November 11th) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 673 Ellington Road, South Windsor. (Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church on Tuesday morning). Entombment will be at Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery, (Mausoleum), Bloomfield. Don’s family will receive relatives and friends Monday (November 10th) from 4-7 pm at the D’ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donald’s name may be made to the American Red Cross, Greater Hartford Chapter, 209 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06032. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.