Don Dalena Passes Away
Donald P. Dalena
1928 – 2024
Donald Peter “Don” Dalena, 95 of New Britain, passed away on February 18 at home. Born on August 3, 1928, in the small town of Plainville, he was the son of the late Peter & Genevieve (Blinn) Dalena.
Surviving is the love of his life, Carolyn (DiMaio) Dalena, his two sons, Peter D Dalena of Plainville, Daniel J Dalena & his wife Debora of Plainville, two grandsons, Brian D Dalena of Bristol & Brandon G Dalena of San Diego, CA., his brother Peter L Dalena of Kensington and many nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Dolores & his brother-in-law Ken Balkow, and his sister-in-law Maryalice Dalena.
Don “Red” Dalena graduated from Plainville HS in 1946 where he excelled in football & baseball. Six decades later, in 2007, he was inducted into the P.H.S Sports Hall of Fame. Prior to joining the military, Don was a draftsman @ the engineering department at Marlin Rockwell. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in England during the Korean Conflict as a Staff Sergeant.
In 1953, his honorable discharge brought him back to the States, where he joined his father, brother & uncle Cozy (Cosam) to form Dalena Auto Parts ( celebrating 70 years in business this year) where he worked & always greeted customers with a welcoming smile & friendly conversation up until 3 weeks ago! He married Carolyn in 1956 & had 2 sons, Peter & Danny.
Hunting in Sharon, VT at Mickey Carrolls Camp with his “Plainville Gang” was a cherished yearly event. Trips to Bermuda & Naples Florida with Carolyn were his much loved R&R. During summer weekends, you could always find Don at Plainville Stadium racing with the legendary George Lombardo in the XD2. They enjoyed many years of great racing success!
Don will surely be missed & will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Funeral services for Don will be held Wednesday (Feb 28th) starting at 9:30 from the Farrell Funeral Home, 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 at St. Maurice Church, 100 Wightman Rd. New Britain. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery, 120 Smalley St. New Britain. Friends and family are invited to visitation on Tuesday (Feb 27th) from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter 200 Executive Blvd S #4b, Southington, CT 06489.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Donald Dalena, please visit our Tree Store.
Visitation
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Farrell Funeral Home
110 Franklin Square
New Britain, Connecticut, United States
Mass of Christian Burial
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
St. Maurice Church
100 Wightman Road
New Britain, Connecticut, United States
Burial
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Fairview Cemetery
120 Smalley Street
New Britain, Connecticut, United States
Sources: Farrell Funeral Home