Donald Paul Gover of Newtown passed away peacefully on January 4 at the age of 80. He was surrounded by family, friends, and caregivers in his final days. Donald will be remembered for his kind, gentle nature and the invaluable lessons he taught to many of those he met.

Donald was born in Milford to Harold Gover and Catherine (Koric) Gover. He graduated from Newtown High School and served in the United States Army Reserve from 1967 to 1972. He received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from University of Bridgeport. Donald spent the majority of his career at Sikorsky Aircraft, working his way up from engineering aide to vice president of engineering. He worked on projects including the S-61 commercial aircraft, Australian Naval Hawk, and was chief engineer for the design and build of the S-92 helicopter. The S-92 team went on to receive the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy in 2002. Donald traveled all over the world for his career and was incredibly passionate about his work.

Donald was married to the love of his life, Linda Gover, for 56 wonderful years. They raised three daughters together and treasured time spent with their grandchildren. He loved fishing, playing the guitar, and banjo. He was an avid sailor for many years and member of the Candlewood Yacht Club, racing his boat on the lake most weekends. Donald rarely encountered something he could not fix or build. He helped many of those around him through his teaching and example, whether it was how to do a math problem, home repair, or navigate one of life’s many other challenges. He has had an impact on most people he has met and will be greatly missed.

Donald was predeceased by his wife, Linda Gover.

He is survived by his daughters: Lisa Dievert and her husband Ronald Dievert of Sandy Hook, Jill Tino and her husband Guy Tino of Brookfield, and Mary Nilsson and her husband Karl Nilsson of Newtown; his five grandchildren: Miles Dievert, Lindsay Dievert, Anna Tino, Christopher Tino, and Arne Nilsson; his siblings: Gwen Bowers and husband Richard Bowers, Marianne Hopkins and husband John Hopkins, Jeffrey Gover and wife Laura Gover, Jeanette McFadden and husband James McFadden; his brothers and sisters-in-law Brian O’Brien, David Canestrari and wife Kathy Canestrari, Mary Ann Simonelli and husband Robert Simonelli; and 24 nieces and nephews.

Donald’s family would like to thank the staff at River Glen Health Care Center for the wonderful care they provided him over the past year and a half.

A visitation will be held from 11 am until noon on Sunday, January 18, at Carpino Funeral Home, 750 Main Street South in Southbury. A celebration of life will follow at noon at the funeral home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit carpinocares.com.