Obituary of Donald Stiffle

Donald Edward Stiffle, 89, of Chester, loving husband of the late Marilyn (Dengler) Stiffle died peacefully on February 8, 2011. He was born in Manhattan, NY, the son of the late Donald H. and Mabel (Wood) Stiffle. The family moved to Connecticut in 1935 and Don graduated from Pratt High School in Essex in 1939, where he was the captain of the track team. In 1940 he began working at ESICO, and then enlisted in the US Navy in 1943. He served on the USS Brooklyn which traveled over 72k miles on the Atlantic while participating in numerous invasions. While at sea Don also performed as alternate drummer with the ship’s swing band. After discharge in 1946 Don returned to ESICO as Machinist Foreman retiring in 1992. Don bought his home in Chester in 1947 where he enjoyed woodworking and yard work. Don was a member of The United Church of Chester and in later years enjoyed sitting in on choir rehearsals. Don also enjoyed lunching with his friends at The Estuary. Don was known for his quiet sense of humor and generous nature. He is survived by his daughters Donna Stiffle of Chester and Kate Stiffle of Newington, his sister Helen Dolph of Old Saybrook, sisters and brothers-in-law Joyce and George Bole and Christine and Joseph Werner, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Along with his wife and parents Don was predeceased by his in-laws Kenneth Dolph, Carol and William Stoddard. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the extraordinary neighbors Harold and Linda Jones and Bill Hamel, and to the Lower Valley VNA and Chester Hose CO. Memorial Contributions may be made to any of the above or The United Church of Chester. A memorial service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday February 26th at The United Church of Chester. Burial will be private. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.