Obituary of Edward J. Dondero

Edward (Rugged) Joseph Dondero passed away on July 17 at age 94. Born on Sept 5, 1923, he was a lifelong resident of South Glastonbury. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 58 years, Doris (Starr), his son Edward Anthony Dondero, his parents Marianna (Scaglia) and Joseph Dondero, 8 brothers and sisters: Angelo Dondero, Frank Dondero Sr., Linda Preli, John Dondero and Amy Dondero all of South Glastonbury, Albert Dondero of Winsted, Josephine Sweeney and Beatrice Leonard both of Florida. He graduated Glastonbury High School in the class of 1941. After high school, he was to be a partner with his oldest brother on the family farm which their father started in 1911. After 1 year on the farm, WWII was underway and despite his father’s desire, he joined the Navy. He proudly set up the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid and served on its maiden voyage. Later, he was transferred to the USS Mata Gorda, to finish his naval career where he was promoted to gunners mate 2nd class. After the war, he returned to run Dondero Orchards until the present day. Edward was an active member of the Matson Hill Community Club for 75 years. Ed is survived by his daughter-in-law, Judy Dondero, 2 grandsons and their wives, Joseph and Sandra Dondero and Jeffrey and Patricia Dondero, six great grandchildren: Joseph Jr., Angelina, Jacob, Ava, Nicholas and Anthony and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind two very special friends, Deborah Cofiell and William Mangini. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday July 23 at 10am in St. Augustine Church, 55 Hopewell Rd., South Glastonbury. Burial will follow in Neipsic Cemetery, Glastonbury with military honors. Friends may call at the Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury on Sunday July 22 from 2-5pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting that donations be made to John Paul Ethier Memorial Scholarship (mail checks to: Glastonbury Public Schools, Attn: Clare Mazur, P. O. Box 191, Glastonbury, CT 06033) or a charity organization of your choice. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.