Donald R. Judge

1924 - 2021

North Stonington - Donald R. Judge, USMC (Ret.), 96, of North Stonington passed away peacefully Jan. 25, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Shirley (Fox) Judge. Born in Columbus, Ohio Sept. 3, 1924, he was the son of the late Ralph F. and Grace (Dempster) Judge.

Donald served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War. During his service, he earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses, one Bronze Star, and 11 Air Medals. He retired as a major after 23 years of active duty.

Passionate about education, Donald received his undergraduate degree in education and a Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Omaha, and a Master of Library Sciences from the University of Rhode Island.

Donald was the former librarian of the G.W. Blunt White Maritime Research Library at the Mystic Seaport Museum. He was then the personnel director at the Mystic Color Lab, before going on to become a manager at Chelsea Groton Bank in Mystic and North Stonington.

Very active in civic affairs in North Stonington, he was co-incorporator and first president of the North Stonington Historical Society, former chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and also served as Town Selectman. Donald was a past president and on the board of directors of the Lions Club and a member of the VFW. He was also a co-founder of the Ecclesiastical Society of North Stonington. As a member of the Sons of American Revolution, Donald was treasurer of the Captain Nathan Hale Branch #6 before becoming president.

Donald was a longtime member and deacon of the North Stonington Congregational Church, where he served on several committees and as chairman on various boards. He was especially proud to serve as chairman for the church's 250th anniversary committee.

Besides his loving and devoted wife of 73 years, he will be sadly missed by his daughter and former son-in-law, Donna Pelish of North Stonington and Eric Pelish of Uncasville; and daughter and son-in-law Susan and Brian Brennan of Ashaway, R.I. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Judge of Frankfort, N.Y.

Funeral services and burial with full military honors will be private. Family and friends are invited to join a Celebration of Life, to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald's name can be made to the North Stonington Congregational Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main Street, Westerly. For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com.