Donald E. Blood

US Army Air Corps Veteran Of World War II

Donald E. Blood, 81, a resident of Newtown for 43 years, died August 18 at his home, surrounded by family. Mr Blood was the husband of the late Frances E. (Witkowski) Blood. He was born in Manhattan on November 20, 1925, the son of Elmer and Victoria (Richardson) Blood and graduated from Amityville High School, Amityville, L.I., N.Y.

Mr Blood was a US Army Air Corps Veteran of World War II. He served with the rank of staff sergeant as a radio operator mechanic with the 3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron. His fascination with aircraft led him to pursue and receive a private pilot’s license in the 1950s.

Prior to moving to Newtown he resided in Bridgeport with his family. He was employed by Avco Lycoming, Sikorsky Aircraft, and Borden Mitchell Dairy. After moving to Newtown, Mr Blood worked security for 16 years at the Barden Corporation in Danbury, before retiring in May 1989. He also owned and operated two businesses, Shur-a Clean Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning and Tire Cosmetology.

Mr Blood had a lifelong love for dance and music that began in his younger days when he was an instructor at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in New York City.

He also volunteered his time with the Newtown Police Department as an auxiliary officer.

Mr Blood will be sadly missed by his 11 children and their spouses, Donna and Gary Wildman of Sandy Hook, Sharon and Joseph Zagata of Newtown, Richard Blood of Newtown, Christine and Frederick Benzinger of Raleigh, N.C., Kathleen and Dominick Salvatore of Palm Coast, Fla., Michael and Patricia Blood of Raleigh, N.C., Paul and Jeanne Blood of Woodbury, Cynthia and Richard DeLucia of Bethel, Patricia Blood of New Milford, Pamela and Drew Brown of Danbury, and Dawn Blood of Bristol. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

At the request of the family, there are no services or calling hours. Cremation and burial will be private.

The Honan Funeral Home, Newtown, is assisting the family.

The Newtown Bee        August 24, 2007