Obituary: Donald N. Sorensen, 86, of Woodbridge

From William R. McDonald Funeral Home

Donald Neil Sorensen, 86, of Woodbridge, beloved husband of the late Kathleen (LaBrecque) Sorensen, passed away Monday, March 5, 2018 in his home, in the arms of his loving children. Donald was born July 2, 1931 in Bridgeport, son of the late John Christian and Lillian (Powe) Sorensen.

Donald graduated from Stratford High School Class of 1950. Donald was an accomplished athlete, both a state champion long-jumper and football standout. Donald enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country in the Korean War aboard the USS Mellette.

As seventh-grade sweethearts, Donald and Kathleen were later married at St. James Church in Stratford March 24, 1951. They were married 62 years before Don lost his beloved Kathleen.

Donald enjoyed a successful career at Southern New England Telephone Company that spanned three decades, retiring as a foreman in 1987. Donald was an active member of the Telephone Pioneers.

Don enjoyed traveling the world and his country with his Kathleen and celebrating his Danish heritage and her Irish traditions with his family and friends. Don’s fondest memories included time spent at his house at Emerald Lake in Hillsborough, New Hampshire with his family, best friends and fur buddies, and walks around his pond at home with his children, grandchildren and great-children.

Don will be remembered for his steadfast faith in God, love of family, humility, wittiness and quiet strength.

He is survived by his children Donna (James) Mihalovic, Patricia (James) Farrell, Paul (Karen) Sorensen and Dr. Kristen (Keith) Borgognone; his grandchildren Christopher Farrell, Jennifer Edwards, Erin Cavanaugh, Colleen Hogue, Melissa Verdura, Jessica Criscuolo, Kaitlin Fritz, and Brett and Brynn Borgognone; his great grandchildren Alyson, Olivea, Shane, Jack, Paige, Jake, Christopher, Ryan, Giuliana, Santino, Luciano and Colin. Donald is also survived by his loving sister Jean (Sorensen) Klansky; brother Gerald Sorensen; sister-in–law Marie and her husband John Vitka.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his infant daughter Gail Barbara and his brothers Jack and Bill Sorensen.

Donald will be deeply missed by his friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.

His family wishes to thank the staff of St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Oxford Visiting Nurse Hospice Services, trusted Dr.’s Christian Heineken, Kevin Lenhart and Julie Spivack and his devoted caregivers Jennifer Cabrera and Michael Cormack.

Friends are invited to attend his funeral service on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. by meeting directly at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 81 Center Road Woodridge CT, followed by interment with Full Military Honors in Mount St. Peters Cemetery, 219 New Haven Avenue, Derby CT. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, March 9, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the William R. McDonald Funeral Home, 2591 Main Street, Stratford, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's memory may be made to St. Vincent’s Foundation Swim Across the Sound, https://give.stvincents.org or Seymour Pink, 3 Franklin St., Seymour CT 06483.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit William R. McDonald Funeral Home here.