Donald Davidson

Donald Davidson

NEW BRITAIN

Donald Davidson, devoted father, husband, uncle and friend, died at the age of 104 on Sunday January 25, 2026. He was a resident of Duncaster in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Born on March 13, 1921, in New Britain, Connecticut, he was the son of Samuel and Rachel (Levine) Davidson. Donald was predeceased by his wife of 63 years Carol Kreeger Davidson, his sister Georgianne Pollowitz, and his brothers Phillip and Larry Davidson. He is survived by his son Donald J. Davidson, of Cortona, Italy, and his daughter and son-in-law Cindy Davidson and Jeff Bjork, of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Donald graduated from Avon Old Farms School in 1938, Yale University in 1942 and the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program in 1975. He served his country during the Second World War as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy aboard

a 173-foot Patrol Craft performing vital convoy duty in the Atlantic and Pacific from 1942 to 1945. He became the ship's navigator and second in command, having been trained during wartime to operate sonar, a new technology to detect enemy submarines.

In 1967 and 1968, he served in the United States Peace Corps as Deputy Director of the Malaysia Program, then the second largest Peace Corps program in the world. Responsible for operations in Sabah, where volunteers were known for being highly integrated into local life, Donald oversaw critical programs conducting public health, rural education, and agricultural development.

Donald led, as he lived, with grace and humility. He served for many years as President of the family business, D&L and Weathervane, operating department stores well-known to generations in Connecticut. An avid community citizen, he served as Chairman of the Board of Mental Health Affiliates, Community Council of New Britain, the New Britain Salvation Army and YWCA of New Britain. He was a trustee of the New Britain Community Foundation and American Savings Bank Foundation, and a director of the American Savings Bank and New Britain Bank and Trust Company.

Donald's love for his family was paramount. In addition, he celebrated an enduring passion for horseback riding, including playing polo at Avon Old Farms and Yale. He

was an enthusiastic golf, tennis and squash player. Donald adored music, especially ballet, symphony and string quartets. He traveled the world, especially in Europe, holding a life-long interest in world affairs and, to his last breath, Democratic politics.

His family would like to thank his caregivers, Beverly, Edyta, Victoria and Ida for their kind and devoted care, spanning many years. A private graveside service with Military Honors was held at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford. The family is planning a celebration of Don's life this spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06119 or any other community organization reflecting the donor's passion. The Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, CT is caring for the arrangements. To leave condolences for Donald's family please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com