Albert Duty Hawkins

Albert Duty Hawkins, 90, passed peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2014. Al was born in Mansfield Center, CT, on August 4/5, 1924. He was blessed to be married 60 years to the late Elizabeth Bolduc Hawkins. Al was a skilled carpenter, and homes built or remodeled by him can be found throughout Connecticut. His thumbprint is all over eastern Connecticut. Always a man to lend a helping hand, Al was involved for many years in the Mansfield Volunteer Fire Department, and was Chief during the 1970s. But most important to Al were his family and friends. He could be found chatting at his apartment with his brother, Winston, dining at Apollo Pizza with Shirley, or celebrating any occasion with much laughter with his family. In fact, six weeks ago, Al was in his glory when over 100 family and friends came together to celebrate his 90th birthday. Al is predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Bolduc Hawkins, and his parents Minnie Wildes Hawkins and Harold C. Hawkins. He is also predeceased by his sisters, Amy Inman, Virginia Bolduc, and Dorothy Bailey, and brothers Harold C. Hawkins, Willis Hawkins, and Leland Hawkins. Albert leaves behind his brothers Winthrop Hawkins and wife Ethel, Winston Hawkins and wife Norma, and sisters-in-law Rita Hawkins, Louise Hawkins, and Mary Bolduc. Albert will be very much missed by his daughters Donna Hawkins, Tina Gould, Barbara Hengstenberg, and Shelley Lebell, and his boys: David Gould, Bill Hengstenberg, and Kenneth Mickelson, and his dear friend Shirley Corcoran. He adored his grandchildren Kyle and Amanda Gould, Jamie and Melanie Burke, Adam Gould, and Marc Lebell. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mansfield Firefighters Association, 999 Storrs Road, Mansfield, CT 06268. Calling hours are from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic, CT. A funeral will take place at First Church of Christ Congregational, Mansfield Center, CT, on Thursday, September 25, at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow.