Donald Clark Appleton

DONALD "CLARKE" APPLETON, 77, of Ashford, CT passed away on October 6th, 2012 at Mansfield Center For Nursing and Rehabilitation surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his mother Anna Appleton Quinn and father Hubert Appleton. He is survived by his brother Hubert Appleton and his wife Edith of Canterbury, his sisters Joan M. Catlin of Ashford and Anna Sousi of Waterford; his loving daughter Joann Appleton and precious granddaughter Miss Morgan Lallo both of Pawcatuck; his caring and devoted nephew Arthur Yanke and wife Linda of Ashford, their 3 children Lindsay, Sterling and Luke, his adoring nieces little Edie and Beth and so many more loving nieces and nephews. Uncle Clarke loved his family and life! He was born in Providence, RI on November 11, 1934. In 1953 he graduated Stonington High School where he was the star Quarterback football player and four years Class President. After high school he served in the U.S. Air Force. Later he lived in Saratoga Springs, NY and became a Director at Elms Senior Housing. After retirement he resided in Tampa, Fl. for twenty years. In 2010 he moved to Ashford, CT to be closer to family and his sister Joan. His family loved having him close by - we always had many laughs and stories to tell. The family extends their gratitude to Don's caretaker Joyce Merlo from Companion & Homemakers and his nurse Denise Poitras from VNA East and whomever else took care of Don. Your patience and love went beyond expectations - Don was a lucky guy! Also we would like to thank Mansfield Center For Nursing and Rehabilitation for ALL the care, compassion, love and kindness given to Don and his family. A public Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 10:00 am at St. Philip The Apostle Church, Rte. 44, Ashford, CT. A private burial will later follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Stonington, CT. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Donald's memory to VNA East, 34 Ledgebrook Dr., Mansfield, Ct. 06250 or Mansfield Center For Nursing and Rehabilitation, 100 Warren Circle, Storrs, Ct. 06268. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .