Donald Raymond Crooks

Donald R. Crooks, 86, of East Hartford, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Donald was born in Norwich, CT. He joined the Navy at 17 years old as a submariner on the USS Sea Robin. After his service he earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Business from the University of Connecticut and was a successful sales and marketing executive at several large Connecticut based companies. He retired in 1996 after over 35 years in the business community. Donald was active in the community, having served on the Board of Directors for his alma mater, Norwich Free Academy. He was an integral part of the funding and building of Our Lady of Peace Church in East Hartford, and supported Team Zipcar in the Pan-Mass Challenge. Donald was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and dear friend to many. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He had an uncanny ability to make children laugh and they loved his company. He always had a joke ready and his laugh was infectious to all around him. If you knew Donald, you know he was adored by all who met him. He is leaving his friends and family with an eternity of amazing memories.

Donald leaves Patricia, his devoted wife of 62 years; his children, Karen Diot, who passed away in 2005, her husband Gael, Kim, Michael and his wife Sharen, and Christopher and his wife Debbie; six grandchildren, Marie Diot Lecamus and her husband Anthony, Zoe Diot, Declan, Matthew, Emma and Taylor Crooks; and his great-grandchild, Louise Lecamus.

Donald’s family will receive friends on Saturday, April 23 from 10:15-11:15 a.m. at the D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church, 370 May Road, East Hartford. Military honors will follow outside the church at the conclusion of the Mass. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donald's name may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 210 Executive Blvd. Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489 To share a memory of Donald with his family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.