Donald E. Granger

Donald E. Granger, 92 of Prospect, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, at his home with his loving wife by his side. He was the devoted husband of Gertrude Ann “Trudy” (Stotz) Granger for over 62 years. Donald was born on April 8, 1933, in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late William Thomas and Helen Margaret (Little) Granger. Don spent much of his life dedicated to his family and community, a former “New Yawka” coming to Connecticut in 1970, residing in Ridgefield for 40 years and calling Prospect, CT home in his later years.

He began singing at the age of five and continued to share his voice in numerous choirs at every church he attended. Singing was his lifelong passion. Donald earned his Associate’s degree in Business from Pace College and had a fulfilling career in corporate administration, working for American Can and James River Paper, but it was his vibrant spirit outside of work that truly defined him. He was a cherished member of the Prospect Senior Center, where you could often find him as the Master of Ceremony, warming hearts with his singing and entertaining everyone at the clubhouse at The Regency. After retirement, Donald poured his energy into volunteering. He worked tirelessly with his church and was passionate about the wellbeing of animals as a volunteer with ROAR (Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue). Through his efforts, he helped find loving forever homes for countless cats and dogs—many of whom became cherished members of the Granger family. He also served as an ombudsman appointed by the State of Connecticut, advocating for nursing home residents and ensuring their voices were heard.

Donald is the beloved father of Diane Marie Kostalis and her husband, Michael of Allentown, PA; Christopher William Granger and his wife, Paula of The Woodlands, TX; and Richard Thomas Granger and his wife, Kristine of Lake Worth, FL. He also leaves his cherished grandchildren, Amanda, Michael Jr., Ryan, Evan, Cameron, and his loving step-grandson, Michael; and several nieces and nephews. Donald was predeceased by his brother, William T. Granger Jr. and his first wife, Anita (Amabile) Granger. His absence will be profoundly felt, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Friends may greet Donald’s family at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 So. Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410 on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 4PM until 6PM. On Tuesday, July 8, 2025 his funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 10AM for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11AM at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish-St. Leo the Great Church, 14 Brentwood Ave., Waterbury. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 110 North Street, Ridgefield. Memorial contributions may be made to ROAR, 45 South Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877 or by visiting www.roar-ridgefield.org, please acknowledge Donald with your contribution, you may also remember Donald by making a donation to an Animal Rescue of your choice. leave online condolences for his family, please visit www.fordfh.com