Obituary of Donald C. Kastner

Donald Charles Kastner, 89, a longtime resident of Glastonbury, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023 surrounded by his four loving daughters. Don was born on June 14, 1933 (Flag Day) in Hartford, CT. He graduated from John Fitch High School in Windsor, CT in June 1952.

Don married the love of his life, Joan, on April 24, 1963. They were together for 56 years. They enjoyed many camping trips with their girls. They attended sporting events, recitals, art shows and award ceremonies for all of their 4 children and 16 grandchildren. Don enjoyed his visits with his great-grandson, Robert, and working with his sons-in-law on their projects. Don’s hobbies included salt water fishing, boating, gardening, and anything outdoors.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1951. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer after 23 years of service, 2 years active duty on the USS Miller DD-535 as a Pipefitter, and 21 years active reserve. He was a Korean War Veteran. Don earned a perfect score on his Petty Officer promotion examination allowing him to advance to Pipefitter second class. Don held US Navy Secret Clearance and Atomic Energy Commission Clearance.

Don was the proud owner and operator of Don’s Boat Transport (and Marina) of South Glastonbury. He worked for the Town of Glastonbury’s Dept. of Sanitation where he constructed a pilot plant for secondary treatment that was later implemented due to its effectiveness. He built homes with Tyrol and Wethey Construction. Don worked at Heublein Inc., in Farmington, CT for 26 years. He started working there in 1973 and retired as their Senior Facilities Technician in 1999.

Don designed and constructed the second floor addition to his home, as well as his garage and two sheds. He was a skilled welder. Don loved to say, “I am a jack of all trades, master of none.” Anyone who worked with Don knew that he was a master of all and likely had a genius IQ. He generously shared his knowledge, skills, and time with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers throughout his life.

Don was a member of the Glastonbury Jaycees, CT Water Pollution Abatement Association, North American Family Campers, and the Connecticut Nutmeg Winnies.

Don is survived by his four daughters’ families - Donna and Ronald Senna, daughters Evelyn and Emily, and son Cameron; Deborah and Thomas Kasper, daughters Katie, Rachel and Abbie, and sons Rob, Peter and Sam; Christine Therkelsen, daughter Tracy Kerr and husband Dan Kerr, and great-grandson Robert, daughters Lindsay and Brittany Anderson, and son Rick Anderson; Joni and Rick O’Toole, daughters Alyssa and Melody, and son Francis; and his little dog Bella.

Don was predeceased by his beloved wife Joan (Milek) Kastner, his mother Mildred (Therkelsen) Kastner, his father Charles Kastner, and beloved cousins Lois Moriarty, Betty Lips, and Aunt Beatrice Bennis.

We would like to thank Sherie Ewers for her loving care of our Dad for the last three years. We would also like to thank Sarah Matterfis, APRN for her compassionate care.

Friends, relatives and neighbors can join the family for a Celebration of Don's Life on Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm (luncheon) at the Glastonbury Boathouse at Riverfront Park. A private wake and military burial were held on April 8th. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or the Gaylord Sports Association (adaptive sports program to improve the lives of people with physical disabilities). For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.