Donald Francis Hamson, age 83, of Brookfield, CT, died peacefully on August 18, 2018, after a long decline in health. He was the son of Raymond and Anna Hamson. Donald was born and raised in Marblehead, Massachusetts along with his older brother, Raymond. Donald was the beloved husband of Denise Laking Hamson, father to Cheryl, Stephen and David and grandfather to Jack and William. Donald met his wife in Marblehead and they dated throughout their college years. Donald and Denise were married in 1957 and enjoyed almost 60 years together in marriage. Donald graduated from Dartmouth College in 1956 where he was on the varsity football team, ice hockey team and a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. After graduation, Donald served as a US Naval Lieutenant and flew surveillance planes. He had a long, successful career in technology sales and marketing and held senior management positions in Honeywell, Alta Technology and NCR Corporation. He completed his career as a partner with the TransTech Group.
A resident of Darien since 1969, Donald was very active in the community. He was an avid hockey fan and coached his son Stephen’s teams for over seven years. He was a founding member of the Darien Youth Hockey and Ice Hockey Referees Associations and refereed for seventeen years. He was elected to the Representative Town Meeting and served for twenty years, including time as Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee as well as Chairman of the Park and Recreations Commission. In recent years, Donald and Denise relocated to the Danbury area to enjoy their retirement. He was active in his local church and served as a lay minister. Donald enjoyed attending both his grandsons’ hockey and soccer games. In addition, Donald was always interested in finding a book to read, especially a good mystery. His friends and family fondly recall receiving books from Donald with the suggested “I know you’ll like this one” notes attached to them.
Donald is predeceased by his wife, Denise and daughter, Cheryl. Donald is survived by his son Stephen and wife Nancy of Darien, and son David of New Haven. He also leaves behind grandsons Jack and William Hamson. Interment will be held at a private ceremony in Marblehead, MA. Donations to support the Darien Youth Hockey Association in Donald’s memory may be made to Friends of DYHA, c/o DYHA Treasurer, P.O. Box 97, Darien, CT 06820.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18