Donald R. Della Vecchia

Donald R. Della Vecchia, 81 of Southington, passed away Thursday, December 21, 2023 at The Summit of Plantsville. He was the late husband to Sharon (Leivdal) Della Vecchia for 59 years. Donald was born in New Britain, CT to the late Albert "Bill" and Lucia (Salerno) Della Vecchia.
Donald worked for the Town & Highway Department before pursuing a career in law enforcement. He graduated from The State Police Academy in 1969 and was employed by the Southington Police Department for 20 years. Being an only child, he forged a special bond with his new blue brothers. Donald and his loyal new family in blue laid down the foundation of brotherhood that makes the SPD as great and respected as it is today. One that his grandson Matthew is now proud to be a part of. Donald took great pleasure in representing the SPD as one of their motorcycle patrol officers. He led the Southington Apple Harvest Parade for many, many years which he enjoyed so much and was very honored to be a part of. After his retirement, he owned and operated Della Vecchia Trucking for several years. Traveling up and down the east coast brought him much joy.
Before his illness, Donald and Sharon would pack up the car and tell their 3 daughters "come on we are going for a ride." We knew we were on our way for adventure and to make special memories with our parents. We would end up somewhere up north or down by the shore. They would take us to Santa's Land in VT or we would be camping at the shore, fishing at the Myjoy or clamming at Rocky Neck. He loved antiquing and scavenging at flea markets. The best memories would be sitting on the couch sharing a huge bowl of popcorn watching football or NASCAR. He was an avid fan of Dale Earnhardt. When Donald had beat patrol we would meet him at Oxley's for breakfast or at Serafino's for hot cocoa and he would let his girls turn the switch on the town green to light up the Christmas lights. It is all the little things in life that dad would do for us that have lasting memories. He was a tough guy on the exterior and a lovable thoughtful man on the inside, of which he tried to hide from many. Donald was such a proud Poppie to his grandchildren who he adored so much. You can just see the love in his eyes whenever he was with any one of them or especially when we were all together. Donald had a great love of animals. He was the only one, not so ironically, on a hunting trip that never shot his rifle or saw a deer. He loved his pets, Clyde, Albert, Jr and Joey.
Donald is survived by his three daughters, Sheri Della Vecchia of Southington, Kimberly Della Vecchia of Plainville, and Kristen Della Vecchia of Southington. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christina Della Vecchia, Anthony Della Vecchia, Matthew O'Connor and his wife Emily, Shannon O'Connor, Megan Hubbell and two great grandsons, Kolton Zayle, and Landyn Noyes. He also leaves behind his best friend, Ricky DiBacco, who was always there for him.
A funeral service for Donald will be held on Wednesday, January 3rd at 11:30 a.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Calling hours will start prior to the service from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.