Donald F. Fenton

Donald Francis Fenton, aged 81, of West Hartford, passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2017, after a brief illness at home surrounded by his family. Born in Bloomfield, Don was the son of Thomas and Mary (Macgillycuddy) Fenton, both of Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland. Don attended Bloomfield schools, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor of arts degree in history and English, and was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. He often said that the Army was the best job he ever had, and he loved serving his country. Don was an airborne Ranger, served in Panama and Vietnam, and earned several commendations for valor, including the Silver Star for gallantry in action, the Bronze Star and two Army commendations. After retiring as a major, Don joined Heublein Corporation where he served as vice president of human resources. Don later operated DF Fenton Associates, an executive search firm, until retirement. Late in his life, Don returned to academics, earning both a Master of Arts in American history from Trinity College and Juris Doctor from the UConn School of Law where, at 78, he was the oldest graduate in the school’s history. Don also volunteered every Thursday for ten years as on-air voice for the blind at CT Radio Information System (CRIS.) Don is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Joanne McCourt Fenton, daughters Mary Kay Fenton and her husband Thomas Menner of West Hartford, Maureen Fenton of West Hartford, and Donna Fenton Aquino and her husband Anthony Aquino of Potomac, M.D., and son James M. Fenton and his wife Rachel Fenton of Washington, D.C. He is also survived by siblings Mary Losty of Enfield, Kathleen Fenton of Windsor Locks and Thomas Fenton of San Jose, CA. He is beloved by his grandchildren, MaryGrace and Molly Menner, Thomas, Lilly, Katherine and Olivia Aquino, and Clare and Maisie Fenton. He also leaves dear family members James and Mariette McCourt, John and Susan Mulcahy, John G. Mele, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Sunday, April 30, from 3pm to 6pm at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, May 1 at 10am at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church, 265 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103. Burial will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Don’s name to Holy Family Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Ave. West Hartford, CT 06107, or St. Patrick-St. Anthony Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry, at the same address as Church.