Donald Waite Leavitt, age 91, passed away on December 10, 2022, in Avon, Conn., with family by his side.

Don was born in Concord, New Hampshire, on November 24, 1931, the son of Russell and Lucy Leavitt, and the youngest of six children.

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, and a member of the United States Air Force, Don would marry the love of his life, Jean Glavin on January 1, 1953. Together they raised five children while Don pursued a lengthy and successful career in the paper and packaging industry. Don and Jean made great friends everywhere they lived, especially in Concord; Newtown, Conn.; and Lehigh Acres, Fla. An avid tennis player, handyman, and family man, Don played as hard as he worked and loved to travel. He treasured the relationships he had with his nieces and nephews, his dear neighbors in Lehigh Acres, and longtime friends from Concord and Newtown.

Don was predeceased by his wife, Jean, of 51 years, and his five siblings, Frank, Bud, Catherine, Bob, and Lucille.

He is survived by five cherished children and their families: Gary and his wife Carol of Bantam, Conn., Dianne Bartas and her husband Brian of Sharon, Mass., Donna Klebe and her husband Chris of Wayne, Penn., Pamela Rose and her husband Steve of Avon, Conn., and Brian and his partner Jennifer Russell of Danbury, Conn.; 14 grandchildren; and six and a half great-grandchildren!

In keeping with Don’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

To honor Don’s memory, contributions to McLean Hospice of Simsbury, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury CT 06070 or Sandy Hook Promise, Sandy Hook Promise Foundation, PO Box 3489, Newtown CT 06470; or to a charity of the donor’s choice would be sincerely appreciated.

The Newtown Bee December 23, 2022