Obituary: Donald Joseph Kaiser, 83, formerly of Branford

Obituary courtesy of the family.

Donald Joseph Kaiser June 30, 1939 – December 20, 2022

Donald J. Kaiser died on December 20, 2022, after a long, well lived life. Recently, he spent happy years in Turtle Bay, Branford before moving to Oronoque Village in Stratford with his sweetheart Regina Kramer.

Son of Joseph and Arlene Kaiser, Don was born and raised in Stratford, Connecticut. After college, he served as an officer in the US Marine Corps, living in Quantico, VA and San Clemente, California.

Don raised 3 children with Irene Kaiser in Clinton, Connecticut where friends, international exchange students and everyone, always felt welcome. They enjoyed hosting pool parties, gourmet dinner evenings and created many fantastic memories. In 1978, he started his own staffing and recruiting company, Kaiser Whitney Staffing, which continues to thrive in New Haven.

Besides, Regina he leaves behind three children: daughter Elaine Kaiser, (husband Reese), son John Kaiser, (wife Jamie) son James Kaiser, (wife Laura Connors Kaiser), grand children Jack, Eleni, Anna, Caliope, Lily and Evie along with countless friends, poker buddies and others who shared his passion for good food, music, insightful conversations, fun times, wine and travel.

He will be remembered for his zest for life, his fantastic stories of his time in the Corps, adventures singing with the Yale Russian Chorus, inspiring tales from his many travels, his moves on the dance floor, and the great joy he got from sharing good times with friends and family. His travels brought him to many places including Machu Pichu, Cuba, Thailand, Costa Rica and many other countries in Europe and South America. He was also instrumental in helping Regina discover her relatives in France who welcomed him as part of their family. A true Renaissance Man. He made everyone feel special. He was a huge fan of New Haven pizza, the New York Yankees, New England Patriots, UConn basketball. He was an avid golfer, even making a hole in one. He will be missed.

“A Celebration of Life” reception will be held on Saturday, January 28, 261 Agawam Drive, Stratford CT. at the Oronoque Villages, South Club House from 4-7 pm. A eulogy will begin at 5 pm. Those who would like to share their memories of Don are invited to say a few words, laugh and remember a life well lived.