Obit: Donald Billings, 73, Of Hartford

Image and obituary via Ahern Funeral Home

Donald Galle Billings, 73, of Hartford beloved husband of Patricia (Pat) Power passed away July 1, 2018 at Hartford Hospital with his wife of 33 years by his side after a brief battle with cancer. Don grew up in Fairfield before moving to the Greater Hartford area. He is a graduate of the University of Bridgeport with an Engineering Degree. He worked in the engineering field and later as an engineer for Pratt and Whitney before becoming a bartender at the Marriott Hotel in Farmington where he loved engaging traveling businessmen from all over the world in great conversations. His infectious smile will be greatly missed. His gentle spirit and optimistic attitude were shared with all who came in contact with him.

Don had many hobbies, loved running, was an avid reader of financial news and world history and always educating himself through courses he took. He was a lover of jazz and a big collector of Doo-Wop music and was a Yankees fan. His greatest pleasure was renovating Pat’s treasured family 1878 Second Empire Victorian in the West End of Hartford where they both lived for the past 17 yrs. He loved helping out their gardens and used to say “Life Is Good” while relaxing with his evening cocktail in front of the fireplace with Pat and their feline family or outside under their wisteria covered pergola. He and Pat loved taking get away weekends, dining out and Barbados was their favorite island to relax every April.

Besides his wife, friend and soulmate Pat, he leaves behind his sister and brother in law Reverend Sharon and David Blackburn of Fairfield, Connecticut, nephews John Wilbourne currently of Alabama, and Doug Wilbourne, wife Trish and their children Morganne and David of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He also leaves behind several cousins. He is predeceased by both parents, Clarence and Yolanda Billings and nephew Allen Wilbourne.

Private family Memorial Service will be held later this summer. Donations may be made to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. https:/cholangiocarcinoma.org, 5526 West 13400 South #510, Herriman, UT 84096.