La Salle, Donald P

Dr. Donald P. La Salle of Bristol, CT passed away peacefully on December 8, 2021. Don was an outstanding educator and a visionary who accomplished much in education and science as the Founder, Director and President of the Talcott Mountain Science Center in Avon, CT.

Don was born on March 14th, 1933 to his parents Rocco and Tessie (Chiliano) Lasala in Corona, NY. Don graduated from Central Connecticut State Teachers College, now CCSU, with a Bachelor of Science degree, and later

graduated with a Master of Education degree. After graduation Don joined the U.S. Navy where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. In 1957 he married Nancy Haniewski of New Britain, CT. After discharge from the Navy in 1961, Don and Nancy settled in Bristol, CT and had 3 children: Chris of New Fairfield, CT, Greg of Los Angeles, CA, and Donna (Coventry) of Darien, CT.

In 1967, Don founded the Talcott Mountain Science Center which is widely recognized for its excellence and uniqueness in education worldwide. In 1977 Don graduated from the Uconn with a Doctorate for his breakthrough research in Chronobiology. He loved basketball and excelled as a star athlete in high school and college.

Besides the Academy, Don’s family was his pride and joy. He is survived by his three children and muchadored grandchildren, Alexis Lasalle of Boston, MA and Owen Coventry of Darien, CT. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and best friend Mario Leli of Whitestone, NY, and an extended family of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Don was predeceased by his loving wife, Nancy, his parents Rocco and Tessi, his sisters Francine Pizzimenti, Helen La Salle, Angela Becker, Grace Russo, and Mildred Leli, and brothers Anthony La Salle and Dominick La Salle.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Science Center in the summer of 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dr. Donald and Nancy La Salle Scholarship Fund using the following link: https:// www.tmsc.org/lasallescholarshipfund