Welcome to the memorial page for
Donald J. DeBella
November 3, 1933 ~ August 26, 2016 (age 82) 82 Years Old Leave a Condolence
Message from Patrick Hayes
November 20, 2023 4:04 PM
I knew Don way back when I worked at the Burlington Trout Hatchery as a Fish Culturist and he was a Connecticut Game Warden. Back in the 60s and 70s, we would stock trout together in the lakes and streams in the Southeast part of Connecticut.
Later on, I would work for Don, when he became Sargent at the Eastern District HQ and I became a Conservation Officer. He was a fair man to work for, only requiring that you do the best you could. We got along fine.
After he retired, I got a call that both he and Joan wanted to go up to Kittery Maine. Both Kath and I agreed to drive them up, and of course the first stop was the Kittery Trading Post. I went up to look at guns, and later found Don sitting by the book section reading. I later found out that he was an avid reader with many many books at his house.
Now the good part! Don suggested that he would now like to go to the candy shore !! He said it was up the road only a little ways on the right. Now at Marlborough HQ, Don had the reputation of being a tough guy, taking no punches!
But up we went, and when we got there, Don showed us exactly where the baskets were and then off he went! He knew ALL the isles and proceeded to fill his basket in no time all. I guess he gave new meaning to the song Candy Man! Also, he named his daughter Candy!! mmmmmmm!
He will be missed!
Kathy and Pat Hayes CEO ret.
Later on, I would work for Don, when he became Sargent at the Eastern District HQ and I became a Conservation Officer. He was a fair man to work for, only requiring that you do the best you could. We got along fine.
After he retired, I got a call that both he and Joan wanted to go up to Kittery Maine. Both Kath and I agreed to drive them up, and of course the first stop was the Kittery Trading Post. I went up to look at guns, and later found Don sitting by the book section reading. I later found out that he was an avid reader with many many books at his house.
Now the good part! Don suggested that he would now like to go to the candy shore !! He said it was up the road only a little ways on the right. Now at Marlborough HQ, Don had the reputation of being a tough guy, taking no punches!
But up we went, and when we got there, Don showed us exactly where the baskets were and then off he went! He knew ALL the isles and proceeded to fill his basket in no time all. I guess he gave new meaning to the song Candy Man! Also, he named his daughter Candy!! mmmmmmm!
He will be missed!
Kathy and Pat Hayes CEO ret.
Message from Linda Patenaude
September 9, 2016 8:29 AM
Joan and Family -
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Don. My thoughts and prayers are with you....
Linda
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Don. My thoughts and prayers are with you....
Linda
Message from Tulay Luciano
September 6, 2016 11:00 PM
Dear Don, I will never forget how a great neighbor and friend you were. I knew that you and Joan would always be there whenever I and my husband need help and advice. I will always cherish how you and Joan were nice to my nephew and mother when they were visiting us. Your consoling my husband upon his father's death and many things small and big that you showed you cared for us. We will always remember your cheerful attitude. I am hoping that in that place you are now they know how great person you are and treat you like.
Rest in peace!
To Joan and the family: Please accept our sincerest sympathy for your loss.
Rest in peace!
To Joan and the family: Please accept our sincerest sympathy for your loss.
Message from Stephen
September 6, 2016 4:58 PM
My sincere condolences to the family. He was a good man and I will not forget how he selflessly coached and advised Bob and I while training on the track team at EO Smith.
Message from Michael lathrop
September 4, 2016 8:33 PM
So sorry for your loss. I had the honor of getting one of Donalds beagle pups in 94 she was a great dog from a great line from a person with heart and passion for the outdoors and family.
Message from Bob Aborm, CO Retired
September 4, 2016 4:10 PM
Joan and family. So sorry to hear this. Will miss our occasional visits at the BigE. Can still hear that deep voice.
Message from Kimberly Witkowski (Stone)
September 3, 2016 4:02 PM
Candy and family...I am so sorry for your loss...prayers and hugs to all of you...God Bless.🙏
Message from Kate Whitham Starkey
September 3, 2016 4:02 PM
Dear Mrs. DiBella. Candy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Message from Heidi and Kevin Roberto
September 3, 2016 9:53 AM
Candy and DeBella family we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. DeBella. May you all cherish the memories and hold them close to you heart.
Message from Ethel
September 2, 2016 10:18 PM
Dear Joan and Candy and family,
I had the pleasure of sharing Christmas dinner several times with Donald at Candy's home. I enjoyed each one. Donald was a very memorable man to me and quite a character to boot. I am sorry for your loss, please know that. I will remember him.
Sincerely,
Ethel
I had the pleasure of sharing Christmas dinner several times with Donald at Candy's home. I enjoyed each one. Donald was a very memorable man to me and quite a character to boot. I am sorry for your loss, please know that. I will remember him.
Sincerely,
Ethel
Message from Lydia Myers
September 2, 2016 12:27 PM
Dear Joan,
I am so sorry to learn of Don's passing. 58 years!! You have so many memories of your lives together. He will always be with you and your family. I am sending you prayers for peace and for comfort. Please know that I am thinking of you at this very sad time. With much sympathy, Lydia
I am so sorry to learn of Don's passing. 58 years!! You have so many memories of your lives together. He will always be with you and your family. I am sending you prayers for peace and for comfort. Please know that I am thinking of you at this very sad time. With much sympathy, Lydia
Message from Bill and Ann Marie Bradway
September 2, 2016 9:25 AM
Dear Joan and family. Just a note to say how sorry we are, on the loss of Don. He was a great friend, and just a wonderful person, that we spent good times with together. One thing with Don, you always knew what side of the fence he was on. There was never a grey area with him. Take care in heaven, and I will buy you that owed breakfast, when I get there. Bill and Ann Marie
Message from Russ Medbery
September 2, 2016 7:18 AM
So very sorry for your loss Candy. I know he will live on in your wonderful memories.
Love
Russ
Love
Russ
Message from Mary and Ken Feathers
September 1, 2016 8:35 PM
To Joan and all the family,
Please accept our deep sympathies on Don's passing. He was a great neighbor to a young family. We hope that the good stories, smiles and memories of family and friends will sustain you all.
Please accept our deep sympathies on Don's passing. He was a great neighbor to a young family. We hope that the good stories, smiles and memories of family and friends will sustain you all.
Message from john
September 1, 2016 2:24 PM
A great man..enjoyed our fishing trips,and rabbitt hunting..so sorry for your family's lose...R.I.P.
Message from Eric Nelson
August 31, 2016 5:32 PM
I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a good friend of my father for many years and a friend of mine as well. I always enjoyed talking with Don when I had the pleasure of running into him. I will miss him. May God bless him and his family.
Message from Retired DEP Captain Francis Bresson
August 31, 2016 3:10 PM
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a great Conservation Officer and family man. God Bless you Don.
Message from Richard Metz
August 31, 2016 9:16 AM
For Joan and all members of Joan & Don's family, please accept my deepest sympathy on Don's passing. He has had a very rewarding life, and will be missed by so many.
Message from Randy Dill
August 31, 2016 9:15 AM
Dear Joan & Family:
I am so sorry to learn of Don's passing. I have fond memories of my early days (and nights) as a conservation officer working with Don in the former Connecticut Fish & Game Department and later under DEP. Memories I will not forget and will always value. Joan and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad difficult time.
Randy Dill
I am so sorry to learn of Don's passing. I have fond memories of my early days (and nights) as a conservation officer working with Don in the former Connecticut Fish & Game Department and later under DEP. Memories I will not forget and will always value. Joan and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad difficult time.
Randy Dill
Message from Ed Pyznar and Family
August 30, 2016 6:53 PM
My family and I would like to extend our condolences for the loss of Don. He was a great man. I personally want to thank him and you Joan for your support when I was going through a tough time. I will never forget Don. He was a true Game Warden, and a Man's Man.
Message from Mary Shea Klinkenborg
August 30, 2016 12:59 AM
Prayers and hugs to Mrs DeBella Kim, Robert, Candy. So sorry for your loss. Mr. DeBella was a great man and neighbor. He will be missed by all who knew him. Sending you my love.
Message from Joe Casale
August 29, 2016 8:22 PM
Dear Joan and family,
Donald will always hold a special place in my heart. For the conversations we shared, to the many conversations he had with my father, I truly appreciate the genuine concern he felt for my dad and my family. A call from Donald always brought a smile, and I know I speak for all my family that we will greatly miss him. Donald was a joy to be around, and now he is spreading that joy in Heaven. God Bless and Rest in Peace Donald!
Donald will always hold a special place in my heart. For the conversations we shared, to the many conversations he had with my father, I truly appreciate the genuine concern he felt for my dad and my family. A call from Donald always brought a smile, and I know I speak for all my family that we will greatly miss him. Donald was a joy to be around, and now he is spreading that joy in Heaven. God Bless and Rest in Peace Donald!
Message from Jay H and Dee Sharp
August 29, 2016 1:55 PM
He is not gone, he is just away, a temporary thing,
you will be joined again one day, and then the Angels sing,
You've shared his joy, his Love and pain, you've put his mind at ease,
by standing near and giving strength, your only thought to please.
But now he rests, all pain is gone, no more worldly strife, he is not gone,
he is now with God, and we celebrate his life. jhs
you will be joined again one day, and then the Angels sing,
You've shared his joy, his Love and pain, you've put his mind at ease,
by standing near and giving strength, your only thought to please.
But now he rests, all pain is gone, no more worldly strife, he is not gone,
he is now with God, and we celebrate his life. jhs
Message from P. J. Navin
August 29, 2016 1:45 PM
So sorry , in thoughts and prayers. Stay strong all. - Pat.
Message from Karen & John Porter
August 29, 2016 11:46 AM
Dear Candice, I am so sorry for you loss. Will keep you in our prayers.
Message from TootsieRychling and Byron Thompson
August 29, 2016 11:24 AM
Our condolence to you and your family . He will surely be missed .
Message from Jim Venti
August 28, 2016 6:02 PM
Dear Joan and family, Word's can not convey my feelings.Donald was my friend of many years. I feel honored to have shared many good visits with him.Time is the greatest healer,God bless all of you, Jim Venti
Message from Beth and Ken Gankofskie
August 28, 2016 10:06 AM
Joan and Family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss. I shall never forget Don's quick-whitted responses and genuine banter that made him so sincere and humorous to talk with. He was an amazing person once you got to know him: from football, the marines and long career as the local CT Fish and Game Warden. He was the real deal-citizen and family man. We wish the entire family the best at this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Beth and Ken Gankofskie
Gainesville, FL
I was saddened to hear of your loss. I shall never forget Don's quick-whitted responses and genuine banter that made him so sincere and humorous to talk with. He was an amazing person once you got to know him: from football, the marines and long career as the local CT Fish and Game Warden. He was the real deal-citizen and family man. We wish the entire family the best at this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Beth and Ken Gankofskie
Gainesville, FL
Message from Kathy (Papa Ginos)
August 27, 2016 11:48 PM
I knew Don and his wife from serving them and talking at Papa Ginos, a very nice couple, I am sorry for your loss,you are in my thoughts amd prayers.
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