Donald Sleeper Rollins

The Day
New London, Conn.
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
p. 4B

Donald Rollins

Groton - Donald S. Rollins, 68, retired City of Groton Fire Chief, passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on November 3, 1937 in Camden, Maine, son of the late Donald H. Rollins and Catherine A. Rollins. He is survived by his loving wife, Florence (Starkweather) Rollins. They married on Oct. 7, 1961.

Don moved from Maine to Groton in 1952, graduating from Robert E. Fitch high school in 1956. He eagerly became an active member of the Pioneer Hose Company No. 1 as a volunteer firefighter. He served his country in the National Guard. He was an electrician at Electric Boat for 12 years. In 1968, he fulfilled his childhood dream by joining the City of Groton fire department as a career firefighter. He showed dedication as he rose through the ranks of captain, deputy chief and with honor, retiring in 1997 as chief.

During his career, Don enjoyed working for his dear friend, John Santacroce, at the Groton Oil Company. He also worked side by side with his fire service brother, Al MacGeachie, in their several business endeavors.

Many friends and co-workers knew Don by his nickname "Bones". He was a member of the Connecticut Fire Marshals Assoc., Groton Lodge of Elks, the Masons, Tuckerbung, and he served as a director of the Richardson Beach Assoc., and Lake Pocasset Assoc., in Wayne, Maine. He attended the First Baptist Church of New London.

The many things Don enjoyed in life were golf, golf and more golf. His other pastimes were fishing, hunting, and cooking. He was best known for making his famous clam chowder. Being an avid reader and daily news enthusiast, he had a great ability to recall historical and factual information at the drop of a hat. His greatest accomplishment was designing and building his dream house in Wayne, Maine, for his family and friends to enjoy.

In addition to his loving wife of 44 years, he is survived by his two daughters, Catherine R. Smith and her husband, David Smith, of Uncasville, and Karen A. Rollins-Lorinsky and her husband, Karl Lorinsky, of Waterford. He is also survived by his two grandsons, Bailey and Zachary Lorinsky who were his pride and joy. Surviving also, a loving sister, Carol A. Moore and her husband, William Moore, of Cape Coral, Fla., and Wayne, Maine; and several nieces, nephews and close friends. He is the first departing member of the Motley Crew, a group of life long friends since 1957.

Calling hours are Wednesday, March 8th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of New London, 268 State Street, New London on Saturday, March 11 at 11 a.m. The burial will be held in Wayne, Maine at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the First Baptist Church of New London, 268 State Street, New London, CT 06320.

  Events

• He appeared on the census in 1940 at 19 Limerock Street in Camden, Knox County, Maine. He lived in the household of his parents.

Donald married Living