Obituary: Donald E. Jackson, 93, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Donald E. Jackson, of Branford, passed peacefully at the age of 93 in his own home as wished on April 13, 2024.
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Donald was a devoted husband of 70 yrs to Janet (deceased). He was a loving family man and is survived by his sister, Barbara Graver, children, Dawn J (Stanley) Stopka, Donald E (Patricia) Jackson Jr, Gayle J (Blair) MacLachlan, his grandchildren, Rachel, Natalie, Carly, Matthew, Katelyn and his great grandchild, Zana.
Born and raised in New Haven, he attended Hillhouse High and New Haven College studying Accounting and Executive Development.

After honorably serving in the United States Marine Corps, he returned to New Haven Water Company employment. Upon promotion to Manager of the Branford office, He and Janet moved their young family to Branford. He retired in 1991 as V.P. Operations. It was a 45 year career of achievements and honors from peers. Affiliations with Water Industry associations, local, regional and national, allowed for engaging travel while serving on many boards, often as chairman.
A believer in democracy, Donald took his civic responsibilities seriously.

He was a member and officer of many local groups including:
Branford Chamber of Commerce – Past President
Republican Town Committee – Past Chairman
Junior Achievement
Eli Whitney Museum
27 years service to the Branford Board of Finance, 7 as Chair.
Branford Congregational Church – Treasurer
Many a pancake was flipped and served by Don at the Branford Fest, being a member of Rotary Club for over 50 years, Treasurer for most of them.

His preferred recreation was sailing, including on a 16’ sloop, homebuilt. Crewing on racing yachts, he participated in numerous races locally and offshore, Including thrice the Bermuda Race, Miami – Nassau and others. Not bad for a kid who started in a rowboat with bed sheets. Donald loved sailing with Janet, family and friends on his 41’ ketch and enjoyed seafood and ice cream all along the waters in the Northeast. He was a very active member, Commodore (2003), and enjoyed working and socializing with friends at the Branford Yacht Club.

Family was ever important. Being the eldest of many cousins, there were always large family picnics and an annual Christmas night get together. He and Janet looked forward to vacationing each winter with their children and grandchildren, friends, and cousins, whether it was skiing, a cruise, or in their Mexico timeshare.

Donald mastered all homeowner projects, his own and for others, proud to have hired no tradesmen to work on his home until he was well over 80.

He appreciated classical music, theater, and old movies. He had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious belly laugh.

More recently he spent much of his time doing puzzles, always enjoying completing a task or helping someone else.

He lived a long fulfilling life and will be missed.