Donald Francis Mackey

1931 - 2016

New London - Donald Francis Mackey, 85, of Old Lyme, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 26, 2016, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.

Don was born on Jan. 31, 1931, in Malden, Mass., son of the late Leo and Anna (McLaughlin) Mackey. He attended Malden High School where he was captain of the football team, was inducted into the Malden High School Hall of Fame, and graduated in 1949. Don continued his education and played football at West Point, and then served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before being honorably discharged. Upon returning, he worked at Electric Boat until he retired in 1995, during which he completed his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of New Haven in 1967.

Don had many hobbies including bridge, biking, boating, and pool; so competitive he relished beating everyone, even his grandchildren. He was an avid New England fan. Don played hockey and ran competitively, completing his first marathon in 1983.

Don is survived by his wife, Rosemary (Callahan) Mackey, whom he married on May 25, 1957; his son, Michael and his wife, Roisin Mackey, of Old Lyme; and daughters, Donna Neaton and her husband, Irv Miller, of East Lyme and Judy Mackey of Groton; his sister-in-law, Theresa Mackey of Portsmouth, N.H.; and six grandchildren also survive him.

He was predeceased by his brother, Leo Mackey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2016, in Christ the King Church, Old Lyme. Calling Hours will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2016, in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Lane, Old Lyme.

Please visit www.fulton-therouxoldlyme.com for photos, tributes, directions, and more service information.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Boulevard, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489.