Donald Arthur Cables

1937 - 2023

Donald Arthur Cables passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023 at St. Joseph's Hospital South near Tampa, Fla. at the age of 86. He was born in Hartford, Conn. to Charles and Emilie (Surko) Cables on January 31, 1937. After lettering in track and football at Bulkeley High School, he attended Trinity College in Hartford and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, leading to his Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, and went on to earn his Master's in Business from University of Hartford while raising a young family. He enjoyed a career in Environmental Engineering with various companies, and wrapped up his career with Vulcan Materials in Birmingham, Alabama.

In 1989 Don wed Margaret (Meg) Nabors, to whom he was happily married for the remainder of his life, living first in Birmingham, AL and then Lithia, FL. Among his many interests were nautical history, genealogy, sailing, volunteering for the Boy Scouts and other causes, scuba diving and snow skiing. He also enjoyed his men's coffee club.

Don is predeceased by his first wife Jeanne, son Edward and grandchild Rebecca Dawson, sister Linda, and brother Charlie. He is survived by his wife Meg, brother Robert Cables (Patricia) of Connecticut, grown children Paul Cables (Denise) of Georgia; Kathryn Dawson of Virginia and Karen Senich of Connecticut, stepson John Pflasterer (Shirley) of Florida, stepdaughter Paula Burchenal (Edward) of Arizona, and several nephews, nieces and cousins across the country. Also by his grandchildren Rachael Dawson, Michael Dawson, Quinton Cables, Anna-Claire Cables and Nicholas Plasterer, all of whom made him proud and brought him much joy.

One of Don's most vivid childhood memories was surviving the infamous Hartford circus fire of July 6, 1944. Don and his brother Charlie were in the stands when the fire broke out. Seeing that the crowd was heading to the already clogged exits, Charlie told Don to drop down beneath the stands and crawl under the tent to safety. Don often credited Charlie with saving his life that fateful day.

Don will be deeply missed by his loving family. A memorial service will be held Friday, January 5, 2024 at 10:00 am at Roser Church, 512 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, 10118 St. Stephen Circle, Valrico, FL 33596. To send online condolences to the family please visit: https://obituaries.nationalcremation.com