Donald Berten Birdsey

Donald Berten Birdsey, 81 passed away on November 1st, 2021.  He was the beloved husband of the late Mary Paula (Dunleavy) Birdsey for 52 Years.  Donald was born in Middletown, CT, son of the late George and Barbara (Berten) Birdsey.

Don graduated from Pine Crest Prep School in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and attended the University of Florida.  After 27 years of service, Don retired from the Planning Department of Kaman Instruments in April 2006.

Don and Mary were married in 1967 and lived in Middletown for several years before moving to the Rockfall section of Middlefield where they lived for many years.  Don was a member of the Middlefield Lions Club where he was Financial Treasurer and served on many committees. He was awarded a Life Member of the Lions.  He served on the Pine Grove Cemetery Board of Directors, and he was an active member of his church, St. Elizabeth Seton (now called the St. Josephine Bakhita Parish) serving on the Welcoming Committee for several years.

Don is survived by his sons Brian and Matthew and his wife, Nicole and his three loving granddaughters, Aubrey, Katelyn, and Emily Birdsey.  He is also survived by his sister-in-laws, Dottie (George) Kunze and Ann Dunleavy.  He was predeceased by his sisters, Bette Klacsmann and Barbara Gustafon, and brother-in-law Daniel Dunleavy.  He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.

Don’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, November 11th from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown.  A  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am in Saint Elizabeth Seton Church at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, 280 Brook Street, Rocky Hill.  Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middletown.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 111 Founders Plaza, 2nd Floor, East Hartford, CT 06108.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Berten Birdsey, please visit our floral store.