Donald Flavell, 90, of Manchester, passed away on November 6th. Born in Manchester on December 11, 1932, he was the son of Howard and Virginia (Maple) Flavell, the youngest of five children, growing up on Hartford Road.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Sylvia (LaClair) Flavell, and his four children: Stuart Flavell and his husband, Mark Ladd; Gregg Flavell; Maureen Polana and her husband, Joseph; and Diana Stephens and her husband, Robert; granddaughters Lauren Patros and her husband Connor, Shannon Smith and her husband Henry James; Sarah Stephens, Haley Flavell and Lindsey Flavell and his great-granddaughter Eliana Smith. He was predeceased by his siblings. Howard Flavell, Jr; Richard Flavell; Gilbert Flavell and Connie Fastiggi.

Don graduated from Manchester High School in 1951. Don was drafted into the Army, serving in post-conflict Korea, rising to the rank of sergeant, before his honorable discharge in 1953. He began his professional life working for Ansaldi Construction in Manchester. After apprenticeship Don worked as a union mason 1959 until 1977, leaving his mark on many buildings throughout greater Hartford. He then began a career maintaining Manchester’s public schools, retiring in 1993 as Liaison to Director of Building and Grounds. His signature project was the asbestos abatement in school buildings across town.

Don had a lifelong passion for Manchester football. In his playing years he was quarterback for Manchester High, then 1956-59 as a quarterback again for the semi-pro Silk City Merchants. In 1960 he began sixteen years of service to Manchester Midget Football, starting out as an assistant coach and finishing in 1975 as League President. As a head coach for the Eagles, his teams won the league title 1968-70, retiring the first John Krautz Memorial Trophy in 1970.

Don was an active member of the Army-Navy Club, frequently volunteering at events at the Club. An avid golfer, he played in the A&N Golf League and served a turn as its President. He was a longtime member of Tallwood Men’s Club and played many years of rec league softball.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, November 15, 9-10:30am at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street in Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am at The Church of the Assumption, 27 South Adams Street in Manchester. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Army/Navy Club.