Donald Germaine, 91, of Orange, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on April 13, 1933, and was the only child of Esther and Julius Germaine.
Donald lived in the New Haven area his entire life. He met his future bride, Janet Weinstein, through a close friend and he knew when he met her that she would be the love of his life. He attended Hillhouse High School and then the University of Connecticut, graduating in 1955. Janet and Donald were married shortly thereafter on October 30, 1955, and were married for almost 66 years when Janet passed away in 2021. She was truly his best friend in life.
After college, Donald worked in a family business in New Haven, running Kaysey’s Restaurant for many years before he decided to become a CPA and embark on a public accounting career. He worked at several local CPA firms during his long accounting career. He was well-liked and respected by his clients, not only for his business acumen, but also for his kindness and great sense of humor. He once said that his first love was preparing a client’s tax return and he practiced as a CPA, until the age of 85, doing just that.
“Grampy”, as he was affectionately known by his children and grandchildren, was a thoughtful, kind and caring person. He truly enjoyed life, whether it was spending time with Janet, his family or his many friends; playing golf; travelling the world; or just dining out at a good restaurant. He was always willing to treat his family and others to a good time.
Although he was an active participant in sports when he was younger, as he grew older, he loved to attend sporting events with Janet, family and close friends. He was an avid Mets, football Giants and UConn fan. However, his favorite game to play was golf, and his three closest friends comprised his foursome. They played every week when they could and golfed together throughout the world.
Donald was a long-time congregant of Mishkan Israel and was a member of Rabbi Goldberg’s first confirmation class. Attending Shabbat and holiday services brought him peace, and the Rabbi’s sermons were always a source of thoughtful conversation afterwards. One of his greatest joys was having his family gather for Jewish holidays and he especially loved to lead the family Seder.
Donald is survived by a son, Steven Germaine (Alisa), a son, Mark Germaine (Stacey), a daughter, Joanne Germaine (Jules Yasuna), six grandchildren (Jamie (Spenser) Germaine, Haley Germaine, Adam Germaine, Oliver Yasuna, Eli Yasuna, Marina Yasuna), three great-grandchildren (Delaney Germaine, Harrison Germaine and Bradley Yasuna) and his nieces and nephews from Florida whom he loved as his own. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Janet Weinstein Germaine.
A graveside funeral service will be held at Mishkan Israel Cemetery, 701 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT, on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 11 a.m.
The family wishes to extend its sincerest thanks to Donald’s most recent caregivers at Orange Rehabilitation and Health Care Center and Seacrest Retirement Center, as well as to his original caregivers, Marvett, Dahlia and Tammy.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Road, Hamden, CT 06517. The Weller Funeral Home, 424 Elm St., New Haven, is in charge of arrangements.
The post Obituary: Donald Germaine, 91, Beloved Father, Grandfather first appeared on orangectlive.com.