Donal C. Collimore

Donal C. Collimore, Sr., 86, of Stratford passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025. He was born in Bridgeport on January 23, 1938 to the late Donal M. and Eleanor Carlson Collimore.

A graduate of Fairfield Prep class of 1955, and Holy Cross in 1959, Donal went on to be the valedictorian of UCONN school of Law in 1962, where he also served as the Editor of the Law Review. He began to practice with Collimore, Fitzpatrick, Fray & Daly in 1962 and later partnered with his father to found Collimore and Collimore. He served the town of Fairfield in many capacities, as the assistant town attorney, and served on both the Police and Sewer commissions and the RTM. He later became an Adjudicator and Mediator for the State of Connecticut

Known as a shy, quiet and reserved man, Don was always the most intelligent person in the room, and could zing you with his dry sense of humor. Donal was passionate about the game of golf and was a long-time member and past President of the Patterson Club. He enjoyed walking at Lake Mohegan with his rescue dog, Addie, whom he brought with him to work each day. He loved travelling, first with Mary Lou and later with Ellen. Having visited dozens of National Parks and numerous European countries including the British Isles, Italy, France, Sweden, and Russia, he avidly captured with his camera the beautiful landscapes they visited. He also loved attending the Olympic Games in Los Angeles and Lake Placid. In the 1960’s Donal traveled down south to offer legal services to those seeking civil rights. He represented many who were wrongly arrested for simply registering to vote and as a result was instrumental later in helping the Senate during the confirmation process determine that a nominee for the United States Supreme Court was unfit to serve. A second and more appropriate nominee wrote one of this country’s most consequential decisions. This small action forever changed the course of this country and its laws. He will be remembered for his compassion, his wit, his generosity, his loyalty, his friendship and most importantly his integrity.

Donal was the proud father of Donal C. Collimore Jr. (Amanda) of Easton CT, Susan E. Collimore of Bristol CT, Sara L. Collimore (Cynthia) of Stratford CT, his step-children Raymond M. Howell Jr (Erin) of Fairfield CT, Michael E. Howell of Stratford, Kathryn Mascia (James) of Orange CT, as well as the most proud grandfather to 8 grandchildren, Donal C. Collimore III, Thomas, Christopher and Brian Howell, Jacqueline and Margaux Forget, and James and Joseph Mascia. He was predeceased by two wives; Mary Lou Galian Collimore, and Ellen Buswell Collimore, his son John David Collimore as well as his brother Thomas J. Collimore (Lucille, Beverly) of Escondido CA, and sister Eleanor “Honey” Collimore Sluben of Meredith NH. He will be deeply missed by everyone which includes several nieces and nephews locally and across the country.

Family and friends may visit on Friday January 24, 2025 from 4PM-6PM at the Spear Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Rd., Fairfield. All other services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Knine Rescue, a most deserving dog rescue organization in Maryland.