Donald J. Giles Jr

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald Joseph Giles, Jr. of Madison, CT announce his passing on December 11, 2024. Donald leaves his wife, Andrea; daughters – Karen Giles (Fernando Latorre), Kathryn Jones (David) and Kelly Pieper (Francisco Manuel); his grandchildren Isabel and Cristian Latorre, Seamus and Kellen Jones, and Grace Pieper.

He also leaves his brother-in-law Dr. Vincent Carifi and his nieces Lisa Giglio, Laura Simone, and Lindsay Mingle. Donald leaves his wife’s family – his sister-in-law Claudia Negro, his brother-in-law Joseph Negro (Patricia) and his nephews and niece Carl Negro (Moema Silva), Mary Negro Miller (Eric Miller), Christopher Negro, and Michael Negro.

Donald was predeceased by his parents Donald Joseph Giles, Sr and Marie Condit Giles and his sister Anne Giles Carifi.

Donald was raised in Short Hills, New Jersey and attended Morristown Prep and then the University of Vermont. He began his professional career at Arco and Interstate Container. He then pursued a career in education and taught US history and geography at Adams Middle School in Guilford, CT.

Donald was a weather watcher, avid reader and sports enthusiast. But his lifelong passion was playing and coaching football. He played football in prep school and college and began his coaching career with a Pop Warner football team in Milford, CT, the Lions, in the 70s. But his greatest joy was the 25 years he spent coaching at Daniel Hand High School of Madison.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 4 to 7 pm at the Swan Funeral Home 825 Boston Post Road, Madison. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday December 21st at 10:30 am at the Swan Funeral Home. A burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Killingworth.

Donations in his name may be made to The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.