Donald John Jewell, 93, of Orange passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at Milford Hospital. For 66 years he was the husband Mary Prata Jewell. Father of Cynthia Romanoff of Orange, Donald Jewell of East Haven and the late Elaine Jewell. Also survived by his grandchildren Jeanna (Matthew) Cascella, Michael Demetrio, Gabriel and Maria Martinez and his great grandchildren Cameron and Morgan Cascella. The youngest of five children, he was predeceased by his siblings. Don was born in West Haven on April 2, 1923, son of the late Andrew and Lillian Tengblad Jewell. He graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1941 and soon after enlisted in the United States Coast Guard serving from 1942-1946. During his time in the Coast Guard, Don assisted in rescuing 10 sailors from a torpedoed tanker. He served three years aboard the U.S.S. Rhodes DE384 as a fire controlman 2nd class. Don made fourteen crossings in the Atlantic to England, France, North Africa and Casablanca. His ship was under attack by eight German JW 88s. After the war ended Don returned home to Connecticut and began working as an electrician at Armstrong Rubber Company in West Haven where he met his loving wife Mary. While employed at Armstrong Rubber, Don was able to earn an Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Haven. He also served in various capacities on the job including President of the Rubber Workers Union 93 and retired from Armstrong Rubber in 1981. Don was always very active in community affairs serving as Commander of the American Legion Orange Post 127 and was a life member. He served two terms as District Commander for the New Haven County American Legion. Don was a life member of the V.F.W. and very dedicated senior member of the Orange Democratic Town Committee. His famous quote was “I don’t always have my way, but I always have my say!”
The hours for visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 7pm at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. All are invited to attend funeral services Wednesday morning at 10:00 in the Orange Congregational Church. Interment with military honors will follow in Orange Center Cemetery.

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