Donovan A. Charlton

Donovan Charlton Steen, of Burlington, who struggled for many years with bipolar disorder, tragically took his own life on Friday, September 12, 2025. Donovan was born on December 22, 1991, in Silver Spring, Maryland. From a young age, Donovan's heart of gold was evident, from his school days at the Quaker Meeting House to more recent one-on-one talks with his mother. He was always striving to be the best person he could be. Donovan moved permanently to Connecticut in 2017, establishing himself as a hardworking, reliable employee with cousin and mentor Dan at R. Wollenberg, Inc., and managed Bristol-Terryville Septic and Sewer Service for the last three years. Donovan's reputation was impeccable in the trade. His ability to labor and work, his resourcefulness, creativity and understanding of septic systems was second to none. At home, Donovan was a supportive and compassionate husband to wife Olivia Steen, offering a listening ear and creative solutions to jobs great and small; he was always quick to make her laugh. Dog Bono knew to count on Donovan for clandestine treats, and foster/fail cat Sushi enjoyed the countless empty boxes he would offer before discarding. Anyone who shared a meal with Donovan marveled at his appetite, which was insatiable when eating at the home of his in-laws, Lyn Harper and Ken Steen. His enthusiasm for food knew no boundaries. Donovan enjoyed a strong friendship with his brother-in-law Graham Steen, digging into projects like sawing through safes and renovating barns. Besides his wife, Donovan is survived by his mother Joanna Charlton, father Eric Charlton, cousin Dan Wollenberg and his wife Beth, in-laws Lyn Harper and Ken Steen and brother-in-law Graham Steen. He was predeceased by maternal grandmother Vonda Charlton, uncle Ron Wollenberg and aunt Mary Wollenberg. Donovan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Calling hours will be on Sunday, September 21, from 1:00-3:00pm at Scott Funeral Home, 169 Main Street, Terryville, CT. Please, do not send flowers. If you would like to honor Donovan and bring comfort to his family, please consider donating to one of the following organizations: Jordan Porco Foundation: https://rememberingjordan.org or 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/donate/ To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Donovan A. Charlton, please visit our Tree Store.