Obituary: Donald John Jasieniecki, 73, of West Hartford

Donald John Jasieniecki, 73, of West Hartford, died Saturday, May 3, 2014, at the Hebrew Home. He was the husband of Gloria (Cardoni) Jasieniecki.

Born and raised in Scranton, Penn., Donald was the son of the late Stanley D. and Elizabeth (Radick) Jasieniecki. He graduated from Central High School and enrolled in college on a football scholarship from the University of Scranton.

Unfortunately, after his first year, the school's football program was cancelled, but Donald, a self-taught guitarist, was able to support himself and continue his studies by playing guitar professionally in local bands. He graduated with a degree in Spanish and went on to the University of Indiana for a Masters Degree in International Studies.

He and Gloria married in 1967 and the couple moved to Long Island where Donald accepted a position teaching Spanish at Northport High School. Donald's career would take them around the country. He worked as Import-Export Manager with Sunbrand in Atlanta, Ga., a Home Office Manager for Pan American Life Insurance Company in New Orleans, where he earned his C.L.U., and an Insurance Consultant with LIMRA in Hartford.

He would conclude his career as it began, teaching Spanish. He spent a year at Avon Old Farms School and a year at Miss Porter's School in Farmington, until his health finally forced him to retire.

Donald was an exceptional musician and a natural athlete. He was very spiritual and a member of A.R.E. Extremely health conscious and constantly reading, he stayed on the cutting edge of health news.

Most important, he was a loving husband and father, always involved in the lives of his children. Donald is also survived by his daughter, Jennifer Davis, her husband Brian and their children Chloe, Samantha and Finn of Meredith, N.H.; his son, Matthew Jasieniecki of Chicopee, Mass.; his niece, whom he always considered a daughter, Heidi Jasieniecki, and her children, Douglas, Catherine, and Sally of Port Jervis, NY..; and his eleven grand-cats. He was predeceased by his sister, Diane Anderson.

Funeral services will be private at a later date. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the caregivers Donald had both at home and at the Hebrew Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hebrew Home or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, West Hartford, has care of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made here.