Donald ("Don") Sineti, 79, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Mead) Dansinghani.

He was born on June 2, 1943, in Hartford to the late Augustino and Yolanda (Lauretti) Sineti.

Don has lived a full and interesting life filled with adventures, art, love, and music. He was always well known as a man with a big voice and an even bigger heart.

Don, who chose to serve in Vietnam due to his high moral code, was one of the only men strong enough to carry the heaviest artillery and shoot a perfect target every time. He was recognized back then for his commanding and strong voice which his friends and family have come to know and love.

Don went on to perform with a group called The Morgan's who were noted for playing at taverns such as the Russian Lady and Mad Murphy's. Later, Don and his friends, the group Americana, spent many evenings playing at The Pub in Manchester. Don was very proud to be a protégé of Stan Hugill, who is known as the "Last Working Shantyman." One of Don's prized possessions is a note from Mr. Hugill stating that Don had "the best shanty voice he had ever heard."

Don took with him his commanding voice and love of music and spent twenty-seven years as "The Shanty Man," performing as an active member of the Mystic, Connecticut community. It has been said that his voice is so strong that he could be heard from the bridge in downtown Mystic when he was singing aboard the Charles W. Morgan whaleship. He was a regular at the sea music festival and worked with the summer Conrad sailing campers.

Don was also proud to participate in whale festivals in Maui and in Alaska. One of his greatest achievements was working with the Cetacean Society to get the sperm whale adopted as the Connecticut state animal. While many of his art pieces of whales have been showcased in publications, he also spent much time creating specialized illustrations for friends.

Don, while known as being the confirmed bachelor of Mystic Seaport for many years, married his sweetheart Mary in June of 2020. As it was mid-pandemic, the after-ceremony consisted of friends socially distancing while lining the street outside Mary and Don's home to sing songs for the couple. Don was grateful to gain two granddaughters through his marriage to Mary and shared with them his love of shanties, art, and nature.

It is no question that Don leaves a lasting impression on all who he encounters. He always has a big smile and kind word to share about everyone.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by many relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date private to the family. If you are so inclined, perhaps you will sing a verse of The Leavin' of Liverpool in his honor. For online condolences please visit www.CremationCT.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 15, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Sineti

Sponsored by the family.

39 Entries

Gary Goetz

February 10, 2025

Deepest sympathies on Don's passing. When I hear thunderclaps I wonder if it's Don's voice from heaven. He and the Morgans brought joy to many at Mad Murphys in the 70's, with many raising a pint and singing along to John Kanaka-naka. May his memory forever be a blessing.

Carmel Owens Brown

February 17, 2024

I grew up loving The Morgans so much that I had them play at my wedding! I love this photo from that day.

Tom Boyle

January 5, 2024

Thinking of you in Dublin pub tonight. Remembering Mad Murphy's.
Tom and Janet

Maury Wyman

June 9, 2023

So many memories of Don, The Morgan´s, Ct Cetacean Society, St Patrick´s Parades. All good times. He´s probably talking Whales with my brother Al right now. Mary, hold onto your own special memories. (If you have a brother Morgan, we went on the Oddysey together in 1970)

Anne Vitelli

May 9, 2023

My first introduction to Mr. Sineti was at Tunxis Community College, where he did a presentation of music, film and talk regarding Whales, sponsored by Indian Trails Nature Center, accompanying a day trip to the Cape to see Humpback Whales. This was over forty years ago. Numerous concerts at the various Folk Music venues in CT. And then, the memorial for the son of the founders of The Sounding Board, Bill Domler, where he sang up and down the isles, trying to rally us from our sorrow. He was a part of my life, even in such a small way. He will be missed.

Michael J. Vitelli

May 9, 2023

nothing but fond memories. The world is a better place because this man lived. R.I.P.

Allison Whiston

February 18, 2023

We loved having Don come to the Killingly Library to do his sea chantey program. His booming voice and knowledge of sea-faring of the past put smilies on the faces of all who were present. He will truly be missed.

Nancy Haverington

February 14, 2023

My son, Jude, and I first met Don at the Nantucket Whaling Museum. He captured our hearts and souls and my son, who is deaf, swears he could hear his voice. As a minister on the northshore of Massachusetts, I invited Don to come up and sing and teach our children about cetaceans. He immediately endeared himself to our community with his earthshaking voice, deep knowledge, captivating storytelling, and gentle spirit. We were fortunate to welcome Don who generously returned many times over the years, enriching our children's lives, enlivening our services and raising awareness at our seasonal festivals. It was a joy traveling to hear him at the Griswold Inn, at Mystic Seaport, and on the water. From Jude and me - it was a joy and privilege to know you, Don. Fair winds. Mary, our deepest condolences.

Jacck Nelson

February 6, 2023

So so sad to hear. Legendary Chanteyman, Folk Singer (I remember him from Mad Murphy's, 19720, Cetacean Advocate and Illustrator. Better yet, one of the all-time nice guys: always made time for the lowliest of Swabbies' requests, like in this Video. https://youtu.be/964lz-pJlwQ

Sandy Lorrigan

February 2, 2023

To Don's Wife, family and friends,
I was so saddened to hear of Don's passing! I imagine Heaven is having a great time listening to Don's chanteys! I worked on the Sitka Whalefest Committee during its inception and through five years as a board member. It was such a privilege to have Don be part of the festival! His vibrant personality was always welcomed in our seaside community! He LOVED working with the young children at the schools where he performed his chanteys! He became part of Sitka Whalefest every year with his songs and his heart. I will always smile and cherish my memories of him visiting and being so kind, warm and thoughtful. I know heaven has an angel that loves to sing!

Kate Taylor

January 25, 2023

I've known Don since childhood. Memories of him playing in the Christ the King folk group. Later in life, he moved across the street from us and he spurred on my love of flowers, gardening and he was the inspiration for us building a fish pond in the back yard. It was always a joy to see him play at different events. Mad Murphys with the Morgans, First Night Hartford, Mystic Seaport Lantern Light tour, Independence Day parade, Big Ship celebration in New London. He popped up everywhere. On our visit to the Whaling Museum on Nantucket, it was our delight and surprise to walk in to hear Don singing his sea shanties. Hey, we know that guy! Don was without a doubt, the nicest, kind hearted guy. We were happy that he found his true love in Mary, no matter how late in life, as she brought so much joy to his life. May the seas be calm where you sail Don Sineti, you will be missed.

John Eginton

January 22, 2023

The Great One has crossed the bar.
Don Sineti was a gifted musician whose commanding baritone voice could be heard miles from Mystic Seaport, where he was a chantey man for over thirty years, and from the deck of the Mystic Whaler on his many cruises with us. All of us who were fortunate to sail with Don were enriched by the experience.
Everyone who knew Don knows that, beyond his musical gifts, his greatest gift was his generosity of spirit. Don gave everyone he met the feeling that they had just made his day brighter. One cannot count the number of good friends Don had, because Don made everyone his good friend. His unceasingly positive outlook made the best of every situation, and the best of life. In conversation one day Don remarked, with gratitude, "Vietnam made me who I am today ". I am in awe that a person could say such a thing without a trace of irony. Knowing Don made me a better person, and he will be a part of us all going forward.
We send our profound condolences to his loving wife, Mary as we hold Don´s memory close in our hearts.

John & Pat Eginton

Brian Chmielecki and Janice Abrahamson

January 21, 2023

Don gave of his time and talents to so many people. His devotion to teaching others about whales through his work with the Connecticut Cetacean Society/Cetacean Society International and his artwork continues to inspire so many.

Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Paul Lockard

January 20, 2023

I saw Don sing, with his strong and beautiful voice, and play the banjo often in folk music coffee houses around Hartford from the later 1960s on. He was a joy to listen to, and his gentle, loving spirit always showed in his music and in the art he created.
In more recent years I went often to see Don perform with Bil Wallach and Gary Buttery, then with multi-instrumentalist Steve Roys after Gary left the group.
Don was a man who cared about other people. He also cared about intelligent aquatic mammals like whales, which led him to found the Connecticut Cetacean Society, which went on to become a national advocacy group.
I feel privileged to have known Don to the extent that I did, and to have heard him perform, alone and with others. I will miss him, as I know the many people he touched with his music and all he did will.

Tom Callinan

January 18, 2023

The flood of memories of friendship, and as fellow members of The Morgans for 50 years, could fill a book. One of my favorite recollections is when we (Don, Chris Morgan, and I) sang sea songs, chanteys, and some of our original "Save The Whale" songs in New York City near the UN. Chris has often told the tale that he had to get a noise-pollution permit in order for us to perform on the street in "The Big Apple" because Don's voice was as powerful as a 747, coming in for a landing, overhead.
In the 1980s, Don and I flew down to D.C. to sing for a "Save The Whales" rally in Lafayette Square, opposite the White House. We watched in amazement as some guy used a harpoon to stab the radiator of a DATSUN (now known as Nissan) that was on a small trailer. The Secret Service guys were on high-alert, concerned about what the rust-colored stuff (i.e. radiator fluid) might be. And shortly thereafter, when Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda's motorcade exited the White House (he had been meeting with President Reagan), some other guys were holding up a spent (i.e. used/disabled) harpoon like the ones Japanese whalers use to kill whales.
To those of us who had served in the military, or were familiar with whaling practices, it was clearly symbolic, not anything that could've been fired or even thrown at Mr. Fukuda's car, but the Secret Service guys were quite concerned and examined it thoroughly. As we flew back to Bradley Airport, we had a good laugh at the lunacy that was all around us that day. It felt like we had been in a Keystone Cops film.
Rest well, my friend, and be assured that Mary will get to know some of the unique experiences her most unique husband had in the decades before you two were married. Until we meet again on "the other side", I wish you "fair winds and following seas".

Karen Orvis

January 18, 2023

RIP Donny you will be greatly missed! But we are consoled by fond memories of your kind, patient, generous nature and your songs.

George Upton

Planted Trees

Mary H.Audette

January 17, 2023

Don was the most humble generous musicians I have known--supremely talented yet willing to affirm and.support other musicians. He had the biggest.voice, smile, and heart.

We.were heartbroken.to hear of your loss, Mary. and hoping the outpouring of love and support will give you comfort.

Barnacle (Everett Brown. Tim.Reilly, Jon Cannon, and Mary Audette)

CHAS ORVIS

January 17, 2023

FAREWELL COUSIN DON, ON YOUR LAST VOYAGE!! DON WAS SUCH A GIFTED, TALENTED,SKILLED GUY IN SO MANY DIFFERENT AREAS, I'M DUMB, BUT I THINK RENAISSANCE MAN MIGHT FIT. HE WORKED IN CONSTRUCTION MANY YEARS AT FENTON BUILDERS, AND ACQUIRED BUILDING SKILLS THAT HE LATER USED IN HELPING TO BUILD THE BIG WHALE IN FRONT OF THE CT. CHILDREN'S MUSEUM IN WEST HARTFORD. AND HIS BEAUTIFUL, SENSITIVE, DRAWINGS OF WHALES WERE GOOD ENOUGH TO BE DISPLAYED IN THE ALASKA GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE!! I HAVE TWO OF THEM MYSELF. AND I BELIEVE HE WAS A PAID CONSULTANT FOR THE SONGS USED IN THE MOVIE "MASTER AND COMMANDER, THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD" WITH RUSSEL CROWE! HE LEAVES A GREAT LEGACY OF MUSIC AND ART BEHIND; THANK YOU MARY, FOR BEING THERE, AND THE JOY YOU GAVE HIM THOSE LAST YEARS. LOVE, CHAS ORVIS.

Dave Stocker

January 17, 2023

I knew Don when we both sang at Christ the King church in Bloomfield, CT for the Sunday Folk Mass in the 90's. Who can ever forget his voice, especially when he did his version of Lord of the Dance. To me that was his signature song at the end of mass. He will surely be missed by all who knew him.

Marian McAlary

January 16, 2023

He was a wonderful musician and friend
PV loved performing with him
RIP Don you will be missed

Betty Forand

January 16, 2023

Hello Mary, my name is Betty Lauretti, Forand and Donny and Joan are my cousins. Donny's mom was my Dad's sister, my Auntie "V". As a child we would visit Donny's home in Bloomfield on Sundays enjoying the company of my aunts and cousins. As I remember, Donny always loved shanty music. When he performed at Mad Murphy's in Hartford, we would go to see him sing. I loved his drawings and he gave me a charcoal drawing of a mother bear and her cub. To this day it hangs in my sunroom. And when we were vacationing at Provincetown one year, we walked into a shop that sold paintings and pictures and there was Donny's drawings of whales. They were beautiful. Donny was always bigger than life with such a kind and gentle soul. And that is how I will always remember him. If you know Joan's email address, we have lost touch over the years, I would love to express my condolences to her as well. I am so sorry for your loss, stay well and my God bless you and your family. Sincerely, Betty [email protected]

John Lauretti

January 16, 2023

Cousin Donny,

I will always remember visiting you, Thomas Michael, your sister Joan, your mom and auntie Vi on Cottage Grove Road in Bloomfield. My dad, your uncle Hugo, always thought highly of you. My sons have drawings of whales that you created.
RIP

John and Kathleen Lauretti

Mike Donatelli

January 16, 2023

I met Don in the mid 70s when he worked for Harold Fenton Builders. Spent a lot of time in my paint store talking Yankee baseball and Giant football. Loved seeing him sing and play at The Russian Lady among other places. Don had a great voice, big heart and a kind soul. A great friend! Will miss you.
Mike Donatelli

Ned Ruete

January 16, 2023

Susan Way and I sang a few verses of The Leaving of Liverpool

Julie LaCava

January 15, 2023

I met Don during the 38th Voyage of the Charles W Morgan. I will forever remember him singing Old Maui on the deck of the Morgan in the Boston Harbor. His voice was unmistakable. I was lucky enough to cross paths with him for the next 8 years while working at Mystic Seaport Museum. He was a remarkable human being and I will miss him dearly.

Sarah Bedell

January 15, 2023

Knew Don for years through Linda Deignan, my co-worker at Bookworm in west Hartford Center. Attended a number of Don's concerts. And, he performed several times for us at Bookworm. Lovely, generous, and ebullient man. Hugs to Mary and all his relatives

Gwyn Walden Muscillo

January 15, 2023

I remember Don Sineti from my childhood when he played at Christ the King Church in Bloomfield. We always attended the 11am Folk Mass because he would be there to add his gift of song. My condolences to the Mary and the family.

David Mann

January 15, 2023

Saddened to learn of Don's passing, but fortunate to have been with him and Mary just a few months ago. His obit missed mention of Don's other theatrical ventures, like performing in musicals for the Producing Guild in Hartford, which is where we first met many years ago. He was a kind sole.

Ned Mann

January 15, 2023

I first met the banjo-playing Don when I was a kid, back in the early '60s. He was a good friend of my older sister, Barbara Mann. I was lucky enough to meet him again in the '90s when he gave a concert in Burlington, CT, and he was kind enough to remember me. I'll never forget Don and his spirit. Connecticut has lost a true treasure.

Edwin Vargas

January 15, 2023

I remember seeing Don for the first time when he was performing at the Old Griswold Inn. What a powerful and booming voice! Yet what stays with me is how my friend Cheryl Daniels described him, "He's a gentle giant." The last time I saw him was with my late dad at Avery Heights performing for the senior residents at that facility. What a kind and generous soul. Rest in peace my friend.

Jo Hansling

January 15, 2023

To my dear Donny & beloved Mary,
My family & I met Don via his Mom, who worked with my sister at Motor Vehicle. He use to be the folk singer at Christ the King Church in Bloomfield, when Father Pellitier was the priest back in the 70's. We followed Don to the many folk festivals he did at that time & I always regarded him as my big brother. He was a very intellectual & in depth man who remembered so many things. I loved him dearly as a brother who had a big heart & so much love & talent to give to the world. I was so happy when he found his true love in his life & I am so grateful to get to know Mary. Don said to me upon first meeting her that he saw a great friendship beginning with us & indeed it has blossomed. You will remain deeply in my heart as well as to others who knew him. With love & hugs til we all meet up with you my friend & brother!

Patti Wilion

January 14, 2023

Don frequented our open mic and never needed a microphone. His personality was as big as his voice and I always enjoyed hearing him sing. Prayers of peace to his loved ones.

Roberta Echelson

January 14, 2023

I met Don in the late 1960s at The Forum Coffeehouse in Hartford. He could have blown the walls down if they hadn't been brick! He was loved not just for that ringing voice but for the sense of commitment he brought to everything he did. Since that long ago time he was known to make a difference in music, art, history, & conservation. CT is changed forever because of him & so was I.

Colleen M Paliwoda

January 14, 2023

Don was a neighbor of mine and my late husband. We made it a point to go see him wherever he was and enjoyed his sea shanties. He will be greatly missed.

Dan Ringrose

January 14, 2023

I had the honor of sitting alongside Don many times over the years at sessions & shows, having met him through the Celtic music family many years ago. I recall fondly laughing with him as we shared stories about the many "interesting" and "unique" shows we had been a part of over the years. Twas a privilege to have known you Don and thank you for your friendship, your laughter, your service to our country and of course, your music! Rest easy Shanty man!

Grant Hammond

January 13, 2023

I remember Don as the big guy at the Seaport with a big voice, and an even bigger heart. A heart of gold, and happy to be everyones friend. He will be severely missed by all who knew him. HOOYA, Don.

Gregory Davis

January 13, 2023

Fare thee Don. I consider you both a friend and a mentor. Years ago I obtained one of your CDs but never saw you until I wandered into the Main Pub one Sunday for some grub. After that I made it the Main Pub almost every Sunday until the pandemic changed everything. Even then you would call and leave a sea shanty on my cell phone! You encouraged me to explore the sea shanty universe to which I am forever grateful. We will all miss your warm heart, hearty laugh and booming voice. You made a difference in this world. God bless you and your family!

Christina Aldrich-Torres

January 13, 2023

I grew up in Bloomfield and Don was a prominent figure in town functions. I will always remember singing about "Green Alligators and Long necked Geese, humpty back camels and chimpanzees" in the middle school cafeteria, as his voice boomed so loud he didn´t need a microphone. I saw Donny about 18 years ago at Mystic Seaport (not knowing he was there) and he recognized me from when I was a little girl! However, I heard his voice and recognized it before I even saw him! My husband, who had never met Donny, was shocked that I knew exactly who he was before getting close enough to see him. He was always such a kind man and I´m glad to say that I knew him and got to hear his amazing voice growing up. My father once said he had a voice like a foghorn.

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