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Donald Banks Obituary
Born in New London, he was the son of the late Amos L. and Ethel (Ferguson) Banks.
He had been employed for 40 years as a rigger at Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton.
He was a communicant of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Pawcatuck, a member of the Westerly Lodge of Elks B.P.O.E. Lodge #678, a member of the Mystic VFW, where he had also served as post commander, a member of the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society in Stonington, a member of the German Club of Mystic, past president of the Stonington Youth Football League where he had also coached, and a former Pawcatuck Little League coach.
Don had a generous spirit for everyone and always thought of everyone before himself. He was a huge New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan.
His whole world was his children, grandchildren and family and friends.
He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army following service during the Vietnam War.
Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons, Donald E. Banks Jr. of North Port, Fla., Scott M. Banks and his wife Julie, and Sean P. Banks, all of Pawcatuck; one daughter, Joanne "Jody" (Banks) Flynn and her husband Billy of Charlestown; seven brothers, William Banks of Westerly, Amos Banks of Ledyard, Thomas Banks of East Lyme, Kenneth Banks of North Stonington, Daniel Banks of Monroe, Conn., Alfred Banks of Georgia, and Kevin Banks of Pawcatuck; one sister, Rita Adams of Albany, Ore.; and seven grandchildren, Jenna, Willie, and Liam Flynn, Rachel, Sam, and Molly Banks and Zoe Banks.
He was predeceased by a brother, Thurman Banks; and a sister, Sarah Banks.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Michael the Archangel Church, 60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck. There is no procession from the funeral home to the church. Burial with full military honors will be held in St. Michael Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Banks
Sherylin Pia
October 18, 2019
Miss u Uncle Donny always
Nick Banks
November 21, 2007
I will always remember Uncle Donald for his sense of humor and love of life. He was the type of person that you always smiled around because his good nature "rubbed off" on you. I know that my family, and especially my Dad, will miss him. Love, Nick Banks
Joe Adams
November 11, 2007
Your grief is heart felt and I will miss Sugar Bear. When I got a chance to meet the Connecticut Banks' a few years a go I had so much fun listening to everyones stories and you know Don could tell some great ones. I will miss and pray for him always.
Love,
Joe, Ingrid, Andrew and Gabe Adams
Todd Banks
November 3, 2007
Dear Aunt Barbara, Sean, Donny & Jodi,
I wanted to let you know how saddened I was to hear of Uncle Donald's sudden passing. I have so many fond memories of all of you and wish I had the opportunity to spend more time with you.
I will always remember Uncle Donald's smile, huge hugs and wonderful personality. No one could be around him long without having a big smile on their face.
With love to all of you,
Todd
Andrew Borysewicz
October 26, 2007
To the Banks family: Sugar Bear was the best! I will never forget his beautiful laugh and his great big bear hugs. Beth and I would like you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know Sugar Bear is up in heaven cheering on the Sox! If there is anything you guys need please don't hesitate to ask. We love you all and the Sugar Bear!
leslie adams-rogers
October 26, 2007
to the banks' family.
we have a lot of great memories and pictures in our hearts of uncle donald and aunt barbara and all our cousins. just wanted to let you know that accross the country people are praying and thinking about you.
love the Adams Family
Michael Cavanaugh
October 26, 2007
To the Banks Families
Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this very sad time, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Hoffman
October 25, 2007
To the Banks Family,
I'm so sorry for the sudden loss of Donny. He was one of the nicest people you could ever meet.
Donny was a very respected and liked person at Electric Boat and will surely be missed by everyone.
Mike O'Farrell
October 25, 2007
I'm sorry for your loss. The tribute the Red Sox gave him last night was appropriate and deserved. I can easily see the entire Banks family together at Pawcatuck Little League being, well, a family.
Sherylin Fontaine
October 25, 2007
Uncle Donnie will be remembered for his giant "Bear" hugs and brilliant smiles. He always had both for me no matter what! He made every room he was in warm and bright. He has given me the best childhood memories of when we all gathered at Grammy Pia's house. I will never forget you!
The Reardons
October 25, 2007
Dear Barbara, Donnie,Scott,Shaun,Jodi:
Each one of us must let the hand go of one that we love to one that we have not yet met. The memories that they leave behind are what love are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Steve & Birdie
County Hearing and Balance
October 25, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all at this difficult time. Mr. Banks was a wonderful man and we always looked forward to our next discussion on the progress of the Red Sox. He will be missed by all.
Joyce Burnside
October 25, 2007
Dear Barbara and family, What keeps going through my head is that Heaven will be even a brighter and happier place with Donny. He was loved by so many and you were so kind to share him with us all. Everyone that knew him loved loved him.I shall remember times we all spent together with the Pee Wee Football and High School sports programs. You and Donny have such wonderful children and we all know that you put lots of time and love to each of them..Bob and I will miss Don"s " Big Smile and that special Hug " Know that our Prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, Bob and Joyce Burnside
Thomas Wilber
October 24, 2007
Donny, you treated each and everyone of the younger generation as if we were one of your own. I am truely going to miss seeing you every morning at work. The advice and attention that you have paid to me over the last couple of years can not be compared to anything. Thankyou for everything you have left me with "Banksy".
David Heivly
October 24, 2007
Dear Barbara and Family; we were deeply saddened to hear of Donny's passing. Though we may have drifted apart since moving from Avery St., Mystic "across the cove from the Banks", we have always fondly remembered Donny, you and your family. Please know that you are in our hearts and thoughts at this very painful time.
Love, Dave & Claudia Heivly, Pownal,Maine
Frank Bailey
October 24, 2007
Amos: My deepest sympathy goes out to you for the loss of you brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Steven Murch - Barbara Kelly
October 24, 2007
Dear Barbara and Family, Our hearts go out to you in this time of pain. Know you are in our thouhgts and prayers. Steve and I will both remember the card nights with Sugar and Sean, and then the last year with Barbara, we had the best time.
Love to all, hoping this will ease some of your pain.
Willie / Pat Klinefelter
October 24, 2007
Dear Barbara and kids
Are thoughs and prayers go out to you all.Donny was a great friend and a great guy to have on Yankee road trips,even if he was a Big Red Sox fan.(GO SOXS FOR DONNY)
Russ Ellington
October 24, 2007
Dear Mrs. Banks and family,
I am very saddened to hear about Mr. Banks. He was truly one of a kind and one of the nicest and selfless people I have ever known. He could always put a smile on your face. I will always have the memories of Pee-Wee football and our annual Super Bowl parties with me. He will be greatly missed. I send my sincerest condolences to your family.
Barbara Dodge
October 24, 2007
Dear Barbara,Shawn,Joddie,Donny and Family I was Deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your Husband, Father and Best Friend.We will always remember Donnies Laughter and Kindness! Love,Barb Chad and Beth Ann Dodge.
May you be Comforted by all the Beautiful Memories you've shared!
Cheri Moriarty
October 24, 2007
To the Banks Families
Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this very sad time, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you
Cheri,Dan and Haley Moriarty
David Pacheco Jr
October 24, 2007
TO The Banks Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I looked forward to running into Donny each summer I returned home to see my family. There was nothing greater than to see his smile and hear him laugh. I will miss him deeply, but will hold his memories forever in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love Dave
Donny my friend, thank you for all that you taught me as a coach and thanks for all the smile's you created when you were in our presents. I'll miss you deeply and you will always be in my heart.
Love Ya, Davie "Chico Walker"
Robert Volack
October 24, 2007
My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. I worked with Banks at EB for many years. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Danny Bell
October 24, 2007
It is with profound sorrow to learn of don's passing. It was a long time ago in a faraway country. I walked into the "EM" club on base with my cover on and had to buy a round, I didn't have the money, and Donny bailed me out. I loved the man. I allways enjoyed watching him and Sean and the closeness they shared. He will long be remembered in the hearts of us all. God bless the Banks family and keep you, during this difficult time.
Danny Bell
October 24, 2007
It is with profound sorrow to learn of don's passing. It was a long time ago,in a faraway country. I walked into the "EM" club on base with my cover on and had to buy a round and didn't have the money.He bailed me out. I loved the man, and allways enjoyed watching him and Sean and the closeness they shared. He will long be remembered in the hearts of us all. God bless the Banks family and keep you, during this difficult time.
Charlie Pendola
October 23, 2007
Barbara,Don,Jody,Scott,and Sean-
My deepest sympathy goes out to your family in this time of loss.I hope you are able to find comfort in the knowledge of the fact that Sugar left positive and lasting impressions with everyone who ever knew him.I honestly cannot recall ever seeing him when he wasn't smiling.He was a wonderful man and good friend who will be sorely missed.My thoughts are with you all.
Roger Mainville
October 23, 2007
To All of Don's family,
My deepest condolences for the sudden lose of a great man. I worked with him for 34 yrs. and worked many road jobs with him. He was a kind and caring man. He'll be missed by all.
RJ
Danny Bell
October 23, 2007
It was with profound sorrow to hear of Don's passing. It was a long time ago in a faraway country that that Donny bailed me out,when I walked into the "EM" club on base with my cover on and had to buy a round. Donny was good guy and loaned me the money. I loved the man, and the special friendship he had with Sean. He will long be remembered in the hearts of us all. God bless, and keep the Banks family thru this difficult time.
Geraldine (Cannon)Nichol
October 23, 2007
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Tami & Bob Harrington
October 23, 2007
Mrs Banks and Family
I am sorry to hear about Mr Banks he was a caring and very thoughtful guy. He will be missed very much by everyone that he worked with and know thoughout his life.
Sally & Nick Kostuk
October 23, 2007
Dear Barbara and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. You have such wonderful memories of Donald as a husband, father and grandfather that will stay with you forever. With love, Sally & Nick Kostuk
The Deary's
October 23, 2007
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Mr. Banks will be sadly missed by all of us.
Cindy Banks
October 23, 2007
Words cannot express my sorrow... he was there with us at Margaret's the night before Daddy's funeral, he sang Dad's favorite songs with us...He was the first person I saw when I walked off the elevator into Margaret's ICU waiting room, there to give me a big Bear hug, and to tell me how often and how fondly he thought of 'Thurm's kids.'When I was growing up I saw him so often whenever I would visit Gramma Banks. And he so loved Margaret and she so loved him...Aunt Barbara, Seannie, Jody, Donnie, and Scott...my heart, and my tears go out to you...they are all there, drinking coffee/tea together, and watching over us...Gramma and Grampa, Dad and Aunt Sally, Margaret and Uncle Donald...but even in that knowing, I still miss them...all my love, Cindy
Patricia Grow
October 23, 2007
Dear Barbara & Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I am so sorry to hear about Donald's sudden
death. Love to You & Your family.
Cousin, Pat Cini Grow
patty logan
October 23, 2007
to the banks families, we know don through his kids. we know young donny for many years through my sister christine logan. thurmon was in every little league show with my mom albina logan for many years. what a wonderful family they all are. we are all very very sorry to read the passing of don. please know that you are all in our thoughts and in our prayers. sincerely, the logan family. pawcatuck ct.
Jeanne Lowke
October 23, 2007
Aunt Barbara, Seanie, Scott, Don and Jody,
I can not begin to express my deep saddness for you all at this time. Uncle Donald and all of you are part of my childhood's most fondest memories. I will never forget all the fun times we shared at the Banks' house. You were always there for us. Having Aunt Barbara and Seanie with us when we said "good-bye" to Margaret this summer meant so much to me. During that difficult time I felt a great peace and comfort just being next to Uncle Donald. His love for everyone was so genuine. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and I love you very much!!
Jeanne Banks Lowke
Amy Hoffman
October 23, 2007
Dear Barbara and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss! I have spent many occassions with the Banks family and Don will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
James Hall
October 23, 2007
My heart felt sympathy to the Banks family.I worked for many years at E.B. with Mr. Banks, Thurman, and Tommy, and Donald.May GOD bless you all.
Joyce Geyer Marshall
October 23, 2007
My deepest sympathies to the Banks family. We were good neighbors for many years.
Joyce Geyer Marshall
Tammi Barrows
October 23, 2007
Uncle Donnie will be sadly missed by his family. Our hearts and prayers go out to Aunt Barbara, Donnie, Scott, Sean, and Jody. Love, The Pia Family
Deborah Pacheco-Day
October 23, 2007
To all the Banks Family, I am deeply sorry for your lose. He will be greatly missed, because he was a wonderful person with a big heart. And I've always remembered that. You are all in my prayers. God Bless.
Kathleen Atkinson
October 23, 2007
I went to middle school and high school with Sean. Scott worked with my brother Lt. Colonal Allen at the AVCRAD. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
This message was sent to me when I lost my husband. It gives me hope and peace.
"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones shines down to let us know they are with us." unknown
Mike Cassell
October 23, 2007
Barbara, Donnie, Jody, Scott & Sean,
My deepest condolences. I have so many great memories growing up of "Sugar Bear". What a great guy, he will be sorely missed.
Always remember you have a great family and good friends to lean on during this tough time.
We are thinking of you,
The Cassell's
Glenda (Shafer)MIner
October 23, 2007
Barbara and Family I am so sorry for your loss. Donnie was one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Even if you had not seen him for a while he always had that perfect smile and a real genuine hello. Please execept my sincere condolences for all of you.
Sharon & Dave Pacheco
October 23, 2007
Dear Barbara and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Words cannot express how sadden we were to hear about Don, he surely will be missed. We had so many good times together and will always share the memories with our family and friends. Although we can not be with you at this most difficult time we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Emile Lavallee
October 23, 2007
I have work with Don for many years. He was a very nice person.
My God bless him and family.
Mario Morales
October 23, 2007
To Kenny, Kevin and THe Banks Family:
May the Lord give you peace and strength on this hour of sorrow.
Mario Morales (Pfizer)
Deltona FL
Kathleen and Paul Niedbala
October 23, 2007
Dear Barbara and Sean,
We were so very sorry to hear about Mr. Banks. He was such a kind and friendly man and we always enjoyed chatting with him when we lived on Clark Street. We are thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers at this time.
Timothy York
October 23, 2007
I am sorry for the loss of Suger Bear I grew up with the Banks family and will miss him. Best wishes to all of his family. I will always remember him as a man with a great love for life and family.
robert Biltcliffe
October 23, 2007
One of the best people i've ever met.a good rigger. and friend,we will miss him very much.
Tom Rettig
October 23, 2007
I am very sorry for your loss. I knew, worked, and traveled with Don over the years. There was no man more respected and loved by his co-workers. His bond with Sean was a tribute to how all father/son relationships should be. Condolences from IBEW Local 261.
Rose Rezendes
October 23, 2007
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Grant Hammond
October 22, 2007
I have known Sean for about 5 years, and Don, through Sean, for nearly that long. As a Brother Vietnam Vet, and Comrade of the VFW, I am sorry for your loss. I know he and Sean were very close. He will be missed by his family, and by his co-workers. Our prayers are with you.
Charlie Smith Jr.
October 22, 2007
I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Banks passing. He was a very nice man and will be missed.
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