Donald R. Pjatak

1949 - 2025

Donald R. Pjatak
November 25, 2025
Donald Richard Pjatak, age 76, of Stratford, beloved husband of the late Karen (Ricitelli) Pjatak, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Born on May 1, 1949 in Bridgeport, Donald was the son of the late John and Marcella (Gallanger) Pjatak and a lifelong resident of the area. Donald was a United States Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. After his military years, he built a long and dedicated career at Sikorsky Aircraft and also worked as a licensed plumber. Donald found joy in tending to his yard, keeping everything just the way he liked it. Winter was never a burden-he genuinely loved taking out his snow blower and clearing not just his driveway, but often those of others. Donald enjoyed long, peaceful walks with his dog Rosie at Seaside park, where he savored the quiet moments. He also loved taking leisurely drives with no destination in mind, just enjoying the ride, the scenery, and the sense of freedom it brought him. Donald leaves behind his two sons, Richard D. Pjatak and his wife Crissy, and Kevin G. Pjatak and his wife Jen; his daughter, Tammy A. Pjatak; his brothers, John and Tom Pjatak; and several cherished nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service celebrated by Deacon John Piatak, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. in the William R. McDonald Funeral Home, 2591 Main St., Stratford, CT 06615. Friends may visit with the family before service time from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, 308 River Road, Shelton, CT 06484. Donations in his memory may be made to either the Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or the Stratford animal shelter, Animal Control | Town of Stratford. For additional information or to share a message of condolence, visit: www.wrmcdonaldfuneralhome.com.