Charles P.     Doran

Charles P. Doran, 93, of Bridgeport, died November 3, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband of the late Enid Lazzari Doran. He was born in Bridgeport, to Stefania and Joseph Drongoski.

Five devoted children, Deborah E. LaFlamme of Newtown, Richard C. Doran, and his wife Maureen, of Northford, Beverly A. Doran of Huntington, Jacqueline Maglione, and her husband Michael, of Shelton, and Cynthia P. Held, and her husband Gregory, of Monroe; 12 grandchildren; one sister, Jean Doran of Stratford; and several nieces and nephews survive Mr Doran. He was predeceased by his twin brother, Matthew Doran; brothers, Joseph Drongoski and Edmund Doran; and three sisters, Agnes Drongoski, Helen Ugolik, and Sally Doran.

Mr Doran was a devoted father and grandfather who lived for the happiness and well-being of his family. His family was his world.

He was a World War II US Navy veteran, and one of the area’s greatest promoters of basketball. Upon returning from the war, he and Perry Pilotti molded one of the greatest basketball combines to represent Bridgeport. The Newfields were the first basketball team in the state ever to be selected to participate in the national championship professional tournament in Chicago and also played in both Madison Square and Boston Garden as a part of a twin bill with the Knicks and Celtics. Mr Doran was president of the Biddy League program in Bridgeport for many years and also active in the Park City Little League. He was a member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials until the age of 90. He remained physically fit and still exercised and maintained a gym membership until July of this year.

He enjoyed a long career as a buyer and purchasing agent in the manufacturing industry.

Friends are invited to attend the funeral Friday, November 9, at 9 am, at the Pistey Funeral Home, 2155 Main Street, Stratford, and at 10 am at St Charles Church with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow at St Michael’s Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday, November 8, from 4 to 7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to SWIM Across the Sound, c/o St Vincent Medical Center, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport CT 06606.

To leave an online condolence, visit www.pisteyfuneralhome.com.

The Newtown Bee        November 9, 2012