Donald Peffley

Groton — Donald J. Peffley, 87, of Groton passed away peacefully with his family around him Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019. He was married to Carol Ann Peffley; she predeceased him in May of this year. He is survived by his sons, Scott Peffley (Lyanne) and Roger Peffley; his brother Alan Peffley; and his grandson Luke Peffley.

He was born Nov. 12, 1931, in Wenatchee, Wash., the son of Newell and Frances (Cox) Peffley. Donald completed a bachelor of arts degree at the University of Washington following his Army service. His focus was graphic arts, and he was skilled as a draftsman, typographer, and illustrator. He worked in the Seattle, Wash. area, with Boeing among the various jobs he held there.

Donald met his beloved wife Carol Ann (Hoch) Peffley in Seattle, Wash. when she was working there as an elementary school teacher. They moved back east to be married Aug. 23, 1968. A highlight in their early life together was serving with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Limon, Cocha, Ecuador, for about two years. Donald continued his career in graphics immediately at East Coast companies like Sonalysts. They raised their two sons in Groton. After working in graphics for about 20 years, Donald changed careers to work in electronics at Electric Boat for the remainder of his working years.

Donald’s pride was his enlistment and service in the United States Armed Forces. Donald was a member of the 29th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army as a radio operator. He was stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War. He continued his service in the Army Reserves for 10 years and was honorably discharged. Donald remained in contact with veterans in his commitment to the American Legion of New London, Post 9, for 40 years. Donald had many friends in law enforcement agencies in Connecticut, and the NYPD, which he developed when visiting his son Roger in Manhattan.

Donald’s chief passion was inseparable from his faith in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. He gave his life to Jesus on an army troopship while deployed overseas in Japan. He attended and worshipped at the Groton Bible Chapel for 50 years. He took a sincere interest in the people around him. Donald could talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything. To Donald, it was a motivation and a principle: “people matter.” The nickname in his later years only emphasized his heart for others, as he simply went by “Smilin’ Don.”

A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Groton Bible Chapel, 66 Toll Gate Road, Groton. Burial will be private with military honors at the Connecticut Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.

Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guestbook.