Donald Albert Hylwa

Donald Albert Hylwa
February 26, 2025
It is with great sadness that the family of Donald Hylwa share of his passing.
He died peacefully, February 26, 2025, at his home in Brewster, Massachusetts, surrounded by his family, to whom he was devoted and by whom he will be greatly missed. His family would like to acknowledge the many caregivers who allowed him to remain at home and comfortable, as was his wish.
He was married to his wife, Marion, for 71 years, married the day after Christmas while home on leave from the service. He spent much of his life with his family in Western Connecticut, before building a home in the '80s, eventually moving to Cape Cod in the year 2000. He has been living in Brewster with his wife and son for the past few years.
He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Gladys (Rosengren) Hylwa, and daughter-in-law, Diane Hylwa, and is survived by his wife, Marion (Lembo) Hylwa, son, Jeffrey Hylwa, granddaughters, Winter and Courtney Hylwa, daughter, Dr. Catherine Hylwa, and son-in-law, Dr. James Bucci.
He worked as a banker, often donating his time and skills volunteering for library and church organizations, but his first love was sports. He attended University of Connecticut with a degree in physical Education and remained a lifelong UCONN sports fan. He played and enjoyed baseball at various levels and locations throughout his life, including high school, college, the Air Force and while in the service in Japan. He would watch almost any sport on TV if it were available.
He proudly served his country in the Air Force from 1953 to 1957, in locations which included Washington State, California and Japan, and earned a National Defensive Service medal and good conduct medal.
He enjoyed fly fishing and learned to tie his own flies and fish for trout, his waders and vest full of flies at the ready. His vegetable garden offered a healthy selection of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and even rhubarb.
He liked to bowl and was a part of bowling teams whenever he was able, both king pin and duck pin.
His favorite drinks were a bourbon Manhattan and seasonal Glogg, a Scandinavian warm winter drink.
He took a trip to Italy in 1992, and developed a fondness for profiteroles, but never for outside dining with people and cars going by during the whole meal. He always preferred a white tablecloth and good waitstaff, with whom he always got into friendly conversations.
His visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 9:30AM to 10:30AM, with his service at 10:30AM in the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA. His burial will follow at 12:30pm, with Military Honors, at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com