Donald M. Messmer

Donald “Don” Martin Messmer, 85, of Moodus, passed away at home on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 with his beloved family by his side. Born March 10, 1935 in Southington, he was the son of the late Martin and Bertha (Bennett) Messmer. Don graduated from Goodwin Tech in New Britain where he learned the skill of carpentry.  He married his beloved wife Ethel Mann on May 12, 1956.  The couple built their home and raised their family in Southington. Don took great pride in his home and he had a green thumb for gardening which added to its beauty.  The love of his life, his beloved Ethel predeceased him on September 1, 2000.  For 28 years, Don served as a volunteer fireman with the Southington Hose Company #3. Retiring several years ago, Don had a successful career as a carpenter supervisor at Cheshire Correction Carpentry Shop. He built many homes, including his own as well as some of his family members homes. Don was very skilled at woodworking and he generously shared his talents with countless people.  He loved being near the water and throughout his lifetime his hobbies and interests were boating, being part of the Pattaconk Yacht Club, swimming and fishing.  Don was an avid bicyclist and kayaker.  He was never without his binoculars as bird watching was also a favorite pastime.  Most importantly, he will be remembered as a hardworking family man who will be sadly missed but remembered with love by his daughters and their spouses, Dawne (Douglas Lundberg) Fritz of Fruitland Park, FL and Lindy (Greg) Kwasowski of Moodus; his sisters, Shirley Mackenzie  of Tampa, FL and Barbara (Joseph) Coulteri of Falmouth, MA; his four grandchildren, Edward Fritz, Paul Kwasowski, Heather Kwasowski and Krystal Lundberg; and numerous extended family members and friends. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Donna Marcy Cerniglia.  Walk through calling hours utilizing face covering and social distancing will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 4-6 PM at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd, Colchester.  Burial will be private in the South End Cemetery in Southington.  Donations in his memory may be made to his church, First Church of Christ Congregational, 499 Town Street East Haddam, Connecticut 06423-0445. For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com 

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