Donald A. Forstrom Sr.

1930 - 2021

Donald A. Forstrom, Sr. 91, of Sarasota, Florida passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 10, 2021. Don was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, April 14, 1930, the son of Gertrude (Anderson) Forstrom and Edward E. Forstrom. He grew up in Stratford, Connecticut together with his parents and older brother Edward and older sister Marion (Hallstrom). Don graduated from Stratford High School with the Class of 1948 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1952. After marrying his beloved wife Pat in 1953, they settled in Manchester, Connecticut and raised their family while Don was having a very successful career with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. During his lifetime, Don enjoyed a variety of interests and hobbies including all sports (especially golf, tennis, basketball and hockey), woodcarving, macrame, slot car racing, travel, computers, engine repair, fishing, playing the guitar, jogging, skiing (water and snow), dining on rare roast beef, brewing root beer and preparing raw pickled herring for the holidays, and sipping a dry vodka martini with a twist. Don was proud of his Swedish heritage, he cherished his close-knit family, and he was dearly loved by his family and many friends. Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, Patricia S. Forstrom and his children Sarah F. Mahnke (George), Donald A. Forstrom, Jr. (Rebecca), Jonathan S. Forstrom (Kimberly), grandchildren (Harrison Forstrom, Alexandra Forstrom, Christopher Forstrom, Carolyn Forstrom, Christian Mahnke, Allyson Mahnke and Georgia Mahnke), a niece (Judy F. Imler) and nephew (David Forstrom). Interment will take place at a later date at the Bridge Street Cemetery in Suffield, Connecticut. Contributions to Don's memory may be made to the charity of one's choice. Finally, Don's family would like to thank the staff of the Glenridge in Sarasota, Florida (especially the Blue Hall and the Carroll Center dining staffs) for the ongoing love and care they provided our husband and father during his final years.