Donald D. Dakers

Donald D. Dakers, 81 years of age of East Hampton passed away Sunday July 29th peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. Born in Hartford July 5, 1937, he was the son of the late Albert and Janet Dakers. Donald (Don) was predeceased by his siblings Virginia and Albert. The beloved husband for 56 years of Jane (Sayers) Dakers, he leaves behind his six children; his son Andrew Dakers of Austin, TX, his five daughters Susan Joyce and husband Terry of Deep River, CT, Lynne Dakers of East Hampton, CT, Lisa Audet and husband Dean of Woodstock, CT, Elizabeth Havican of Simsbury, CT, and Jennifer Stroker and husband Jon of Littleton, NH and ten grandchildren, Megan, Emily, and Michael Audet; Ashley, Caitlyn, and Jack Havican; Gillian and Liam Stroker; Wyatt Joyce and Derek Phillips. Don graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1955 and attended UCONN where he received a BA in English. He then earned his JD at UCONN Law School in 1962 and subsequently a Masters Degree in English at NYU. Don was an officer in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the United States Army, serving in Fort Lee, VA. He was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Captain. After the military, Don moved to New York City where he worked in the legal department for Chemical Bank eventually returning to Connecticut as Vice President and Resident council for Waterbury National Bank. Don left the corporate world to pursue a career in law, initially as a solo practitioner before transitioning to criminal defense, which he practiced for the remainder of his career, eventually serving as the Chief Public Defender for the New Haven Superior Court in 1999. After retiring from the state, Don then went on to serve as the head of the criminal unit of the New Haven Legal Assistance until his full retirement. Don raised his family in Madison, CT, a block from Long Island Sound where he enjoyed fishing, sailing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Most recently, Don has been enjoying his final years living in East Hampton, getting to know the local residents as he went about his daily errands, and keeping his mind sharp doing crossword puzzles and voraciously reading. His favorite place to be was sitting with Jane at his kitchen table, especially on Sunday mornings. His keen yet unassuming intellect, sense of humor, compassion for others, and ability to whistle any tune on command will be missed by all who knew him.

Friends may call at the Spencer Funeral Home 112 Main St East Hampton on Friday Aug. 3rd from 6:00PM until 8:00PM. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday Aug. 4th at 9:30AM in St. Patrick Church in East Hampton. Burial will be Private in St. Mary’s cemetery in Hamden. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Boys Town 14100 Crawford St. Boys Town, NE 68010. To leave online condolences please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.  

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