Donald Stefanski
New London — Donald J. Stefanski, 87, of New London, entered eternal life on Saturday, May 21, 2016, surrounded by his loving daughters and their families. He was the beloved husband of Nellie M. Stefanski, who predeceased him on April 16, 2016.
He was born to Anthony and Bertha (Konopka) Stefanski on Oct. 20, 1928, in New London. He graduated from Chapman Technical High School in New London.
His career with the federal government began in the inventory and supply department at the former U.S. Naval Underwater Sound Laboratory in New London. He retired from Supervisor of Shipbuilding at Electric Boat in Groton as a contract administrator.
Don was an active participant in local sports from his youth until the age of 75. He played local fast-pitch softball as a pitcher and pitched several no-hitters. He enjoyed playing guard position in basketball. He was known in the local high school and college sports communities as an umpire of women’s fast-pitch softball and men’s baseball and as a basketball official. He joined the Eastern Connecticut Board of Approved Baseball Umpires in 1959 and the International Federation of Amateur Softball Association Umpires in 1966. Don was named Amateur Softball Association commissioner of New London County and in 1989, he was inducted into the Connecticut Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame for his contributions and commitment to softball as a player, umpire, and commissioner. In the 1960s he officiated a game with the Harlem Globetrotters in their southeastern Connecticut appearance. He also umpired local appearances by the fast-pitch softball teams the King and His Court and the Queen and Her Court.
He was a communicant and volunteer at St. Joseph Church in New London.
He was united in marriage to his wife Nellie in 1957 at St. Michael Church in Elizabeth, N.J.
Don is survived by his daughters and their families, Mary Anne and Bill Stewart of Salem and Phyllis and Gregory Boretsky of Madison and their children Victoria, Nicholas, Monica, and Stephen. He is also survived by his brothers, Anthony and Kazmier.
He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Edward.
His family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. A Mass of Christian Burial and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Bernard School, where a scholarship will be awarded in memory of Donald. Make checks payable to St. Bernard School and note Stefanski Scholarship, mail donations to St. Bernard School, Attn: Dana Williams, 1593 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville, CT 06382.