Charles James "Chuck" Donlon of Ledyard, Connecticut, passed away at Pendleton Health and Rehabilitation Center on May 12, 2009, after a courageous battle, during which he never lost his sense of humor or sharp wit.
Born November 5, 1926, he was the oldest son of the late James P. and Alice M. Donlon (both deceased) of Watervliet and Troy, New York, where he lived most of his life. Chuck was also a grandson of the late James F. Donlon, Mayor of Watervliet, New York from 1932-46. He was also the beloved husband of the late Marion Gilligan Donlon, to whom he was married from June 18, 1954, until her passing on May 13, 1978.
After high school, Chuck enlisted in the United States Navy. His most memorable experience during his Naval career was piloting his ship, a minesweeper, through the Panama Canal. After his enlistment, he worked several jobs before being employed by Ford Motor Company, for whom he proudly and loyally completed a 30-year career at the Ford manufacturing facility in Green Island, New York. He retired in 1985. An avid sports fan and coin collector, his favorite past-times were spending time with family and friends while enjoying good food and witty conversation.
Left behind to grieve his passing and to cherish his memory are his only son, Frederick J. Donlon, and his daughter-in-law, Deborah, with whom he lived in Ledyard, CT; his grandson, Brannon Donlon, and granddaughter-in-law, Amy Donlon, of Fredericksburg, VA, his granddaughter, Heather Huebner, and grandson-in-law, Gary Huebner, of Gales Ferry, CT; his great grandchildren, Lauren Donlon and Michael Donlon of Fredericksburg, VA, and Hadley Huebner of Gales Ferry, CT, his brothers and their families, Paul Donlon of Kissimmee, Florida and Robert Donlon of Castleton-on-Hudson, NY, as well as several cousins. He was also predeceased by a companion, Sally Christiansen. He will be greatly missed by his entire family, close friends, and by his four-legged pal, Captain Morgan, who spent many hours by his side during the past year and a half.
At his request, services will be private.
Donations in his name may be made to the American Heart Association.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Pendleton Health and Rehabilitation Center for their care and compassion.
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