PLYMOUTH – Mr. Donald J. “Big Don” Spazano, 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, July 25, 2019, at his home. He was the beloved husband of Elaine (Serra) Spazano. Don was born on Sept. 20, 1938, in Waterbury.
In his younger years, Don owned several gas/service stations. Along with his partner, the late Randy Ewen, he co-owned Heritage Auto Sales in Waterbury where he worked until his retirement.
Stock car racing was a longtime passion of his and Don was a fearless stock car racer. He raced at Plainville, Riverside and other local racetracks. He was a proud past champion at Plainville Racetrack running his “$” car in the late ’60s and early ’70s. He looked forward to the annual Plainville Stock Car Reunions where he caught up and reminisced with his racing friends. He was an avid classic car and street rod enthusiast, with his 1955 Chevy convertible being his favorite.
Above all, Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and his granddaughters were his everything; he also loved and cherished his close circle of friends.
In addition to Elaine, his devoted wife of 47 years, Don is survived by his two daughters, Evelyn Gambino and her husband Angelo and Donna Ouellette and her husband Eric; and his beloved granddaughters Kaitlyn Gambino and Paige Gambino; all of Plymouth. He also leaves his brothers-in-law John Serra and his wife Jane and Michael Serra and his wife Roberta; his niece and several cousins as well as his devoted dog Lulu.
Don’s family would like to thank Dr. Sabbath and his staff at the Harold Leever Cancer Center as well as the team at Hartford HealthCare at Home for their outstanding and compassionate care shown to Don.
Calling hours will be Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a service beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Maiorano Funeral Home, 95 Willow St., Waterbury. Memorial contributions in Don’s name may be made to, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 381054 or to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 126 Monroe Turnpike, Trumbull, CT 06611. For more information and online condolences visit www.maioranofuneralhome.com
