Donald Newkirk

Donald T. Newkirk, Sr., of Winsted, known to many as “Pop” and “Whitey” passed away peacefully on Monday, December 25, 2017 at Hartford Hospital with his loving family at his side.  Born in Torrington, CT on June 13, 1935, the son of the late Earl R. and Margaret (Mahan) Newkirk.  He attended St. Francis Parochial School and Torrington High School.  A professional truck driver all of his life, Donald was a member of the Teamsters Local 677 and worked for EJ Kelly, Torrington, CT, Russo Fuel, Torrington, CT, Kaleel’s Express, Torrington, CT, Eastern Freightways, Newington, CT, Charter Oak-Stone Container, Torrington, CT and later retiring in 1997 from ABF Freight, Waterbury, CT. He enjoyed watching Notre Dame football and his favorite the UCONN “Lady Huskies”.  Donald also loved the U.S. military and talking about the history of World War II.   He was the biggest fan of his granddaughters Kim and Elizabeth who both played varsity softball at Northwestern Regional High School, rarely missing their games. .A hard-working man, Donald loved his family.  He was proud of his three sons – all Torrington Police Officers – Retired Capt. Donald Newkirk, Jr., Retired Sgt. John Newkirk and Capt. Wayne Newkirk.  His mother, Margaret, was Torrington’s first policewoman in 1938 and spent 25 years on the department retiring in 1963. Donald is survived by his sons, Donald Jr. & wife Sharon of Cape Cod, MA, John & wife Marie of Winsted; Wayne & wife Trish of Simsbury, CT; six grandchildren who all made him extremely proud with their military service & educational achievements; USAF 1st Lt. Kelly Mittal  & husband USAF MSGT Greg Mittal of San Antonio, TX; USAF Capt. Katie Evans & USAF Major Chad Evans of Dayton, OH; USCG BM2 Matthew Newkirk of Charleston, SC; Kimberly Newkirk (West Texas A&M) & fiancé Joe Ben Pacino of Boys Ranch, TX; Elizabeth Newkirk (University of Hartford) of Simsbury CT; USCG BM3 Patrick Newkirk of Honolulu, HI and two great grandchildren, Alyssa Mittal of TX and Ash Evans of OH.  Donald was predeceased by his brother Robert Newkirk. We would also like to recognize a special group of Donald’s friends – The Tuesday/Friday morning “Breakfast Club”; Pete Perlotto, Tommy Burke, Julio Fassio and Frank Pennington; as well as those other members who passed before him; Tom Gilson, Jackie Richards and John Rivers.  Donald also loved the visits spent talking and laughing with his friend Janet Peters. We also wish to thank the physicians, nurses and staff at Hartford Hospital and Elizabeth Morse for her friendship and kindness extended to Donald. Relatives and friends may gather with Donald’s family during calling hours on Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 29, 2017  10:00 AM  Phalen Funeral Home.    Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery, 236 East Pearl Road, Torrington, CT.  Memorial donations in his memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH  45250-0301 or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Tribute Program P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38101-9908.