Donald E. Gedney, 92, of Heritage Village, Southbury, died on Friday, May 22 at River Glen Health Care Center, Southbury, CT. Donald passed away peacefully and with the comfort of knowing he left a loving and caring family after a long, courageous, and dignified battle with emphysema. He was truly a resilient man. He was born in Greenwich, CT on August 10, 1922 to Mildred Taylor Gedney and James Sherwood Gedney. Don resided in Port Chester, NY until entering the military service during World War II. He served as a Medic and a Paratrooper in the 17th Airborne Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Donald was employed by the American Felt and Filter Company in Greenwich , CT for 39 years holding several key management positions including Production Foreman, Production Control Manager, and Plant Superintendent. In 1979 he was a Technical Consultant at the American Felt and Filter plant in Newburgh, NY until his retirement in 1982. While living in Rye NY with his wife Dorothy and their 3 sons, he was very active in Community affairs (church CYO advisor) as well as the Boy Scouts (assistant Scout Master) and Little League coach. He was an avid outdoorsmen who loved hunting, fishing and golf. After living in Rye for 47 years he and his wife Dorothy moved to Heritage Village in September, 1987. In Southbury he was a member of the Men's Club, The Pomperaugh Golf Club, and was a volunteer driver for patient care transportation for over 7 years. He was also the Treasurer for Condo 5 for 3 years and Condo President in 1996.

Donald was a strong, powerful example for all who knew him. In a world of changing values he stood strong for what is good and decent in all of us, as measured by his strong character and high integrity. He taught us all that through hard work and perseverance, nothing is insurmountable. He will be truly missed and yet his spirit will live on in everyone he touched. His great sense of humor, his joy and zest for life will continue to fill our hearts now and always, and inspire us all.

Donald loved his family very much. Dorothy, his loving wife of 67 years, passed away in 2009 and he leaves 3 sons, Donald and his wife Paula of Norwalk, CT , Gary and his wife Beverly of Goffstown, NH, and Stephen and his wife Elizabeth of Hingham, MA, and 4 grandchildren, Peter Gedney, James and his wife Kate Gedney, Kristen Gedney and Mathew Gedney.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main St. South, Southbury, CT 06488.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Sacred Heart Church

Services: A Memorial Service celebrating Don's life will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Southbury ,CT on Saturday, June 20th at 11: 00 am.

Visitation: There are no Calling Hours scheduled at this time.