Gary F. Donaldson, 71, Former Danbury School Teacher Passed Away

DANBURY, CT — Mr. Gary Franklin Donaldson, 71, of Woodbury, died Saturday, September 10th at River Glen Health Care Center in Southbury. He was predeceased by his wife Mary Dunlap Donaldson. Mr. Donaldson was born May 8, 1945 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, son of the late Edward and Isabelle (Gallagher) Donaldson.

He immigrated to the United States in 1964 and graduated from Western Connecticut State University, where he was a four-year starter for the varsity soccer team. He received his M.A. in History from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and taught in the Danbury School System for 35 years. During his 22-year tenure as Coach of the Danbury High School Boys Soccer Team, they won 3 state championships and numerous division and conference titles. He was named state Coach of the Year three times, and received the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association Special Coaches Award in 2000. He was inducted into the Danbury High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.

As proud as he was of his achievements on the field, his greatest joy was watching his students and players mature and succeed as engaged and productive citizens. He lived in Woodbury for over 45 years, where he was active in many local organizations and clubs.

He is survived by his daughter Heather Amato and son-in-law Peter Amato of Keswick, Virginia and their daughters, Ellena and Mira; his son Jed Donaldson and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Donaldson of Richmond, VA and their children, Mary and James; his sister Marie Thomas and brother-in-law David Thomas of Newcastle, England.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 17th at 9:30 am in North Congregational Church, 11 Main Street North, Woodbury. No calling hours. Burial is private. Arrangements by Carpino Funeral Home, Southbury, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodbury Ambulance Association, PO Box 581, Woodbury, 06798.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at River Glen, Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale, and St. Mary’s Hospital, especially Dr. Scott Gettinger and his team, Dr. Richard Biondi and Gordon, the Wingman.

Obituary of Gary F. Donaldson of Woodbury is from Carpino Funeral Home, Southbury, CT:

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