Donald Albert Hylwa

He died peacefully 2/26/2025 at his home in Brewster, Massachusetts surrounded by his family, to whom he was devoted and by whom he will be greatly missed. His family would like to acknowledge the many caregivers who allowed him to remain at home and comfortable as was his wish.

He was married to his wife, Marion, for 71 years, married the day after Christmas while home on leave from the service. He spent much of his life with his family in Western Connecticut before building a home in the 80s, eventually moving to Cape Cod in the year 2000. He has been living in Brewster with his wife and son for the past few years.

He is predeceased by his parents, Peter and Gladys(Rosengren) Hylwa and daughter in law Diane Hylwa and is survived by his wife, Marion(Lembo) Hylwa, son Jeffrey Hylwa, granddaughters Winter and Courtney Hylwa, daughter Dr. Catherine Hylwa and son in law Dr. James Bucci.

He worked as a banker, often donating his time and skills volunteering for library and church organizations. but his first love was sports. He attended University of Connecticut with a degree in physical Education and remained a lifelong UCONN sports fan. He played and enjoyed baseball at various levels and locations throughout his life, including high school, college, the Air Force and while in the service in Japan. He would watch almost any sport on TV if it were available.

He proudly served his country in the Air Force from 1953 to 1957 in locations which included Washington State, California and Japan, and earned a National Defensive Service medal and good conduct medal.

He enjoyed fly fishing and learned to tie his own flies and fish for trout, his waders and vest full of flies at the ready. His vegetable garden offered a healthy selection of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and even rhubarb.

He liked to bowl and was a part of bowling teams whenever he was able, both king pin and duck pin.

His favorite drinks were a bourbon Manhattan and seasonal Glogg, a Scandinavian warm winter drink.

He took a trip to Italy in 1992, and developed a fondness for profiteroles, but never for outside dining with people and cars going by during the whole meal. He always preferred a white tablecloth and good waitstaff, with whom he always got into friendly conversations.

His visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 9:30AM to 10:30AM with his service at 10:30AM in the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA . His burial will follow at 12:30pm with Military Honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA.