Donald G. Barley, 62, Groton. Went home to the Lord on Monday, March 22, 2010. He passed away at home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on May 29, 1947 in Somerville Mass. He is the son of the late George W. Barley and Maxine Pickett Barley. Don is survived by the love of his life Nancy Lewis Barley of 40 years, his daughter Kristyn Walton, her husband Aaron, son, Donald G. Barley Jr., and his girlfriend Jesse Ross, His stepmother Dusty Barley, Four sisters; Susan Barley Smith, Joanne Barley Hajduk, Jan David-Drury, and Beth David-Hower, His four grandchildren Cameron Elizabeth Walton, Jason Walton, Jacob Walton and Charlotte Grace Barley, and his wonderful pets Teala and Goldie.
Don grew up in Massachusetts and soon after graduating started his 24 year naval career as a Quartermaster on Submarines. After achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer, Don was selected as a Chief Warrant officer and was then selected for commission as LDO and served as the Naval Submarine School Legal officer. His final assignment was as the officer in charge of security, for Submarine Base New London. Rising through the ranks of an enlisted man to earning his commission as an officer Don epitomized what it meant to be a Mustang. After retiring from the Navy he attended and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelors Degree. Soon after retiring Don worked for Laidlaw School Transportation as a training supervisor. One of his passions was serving the community that he lived in. Don volunteered as a Groton EMT for 15 years. And for over 19 years Don worked at the Groton Senior providing a friendly face as a transportation driver.
Don enjoyed sports and could be found watching UCONN Women’s Basketball, Red Sox, and Patriot games. Don was a member of SUBVETS and The Retired Officers Association . He was active in his children’s sports activities as well and you could always count on him to be the biggest cheer leader in the stands. Don was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed his time as a Boy Scout, and camping with his family. His love for his grandchildren was immeasurable, he could be found playing with them in the pool or at the park every chance he could. Don was an inspiration and if you met him you would love him.
A Celebration of his life will be held on April 17, 2010, 1:00PM at the Groton Senior Center. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Hospice of SECT or Pancreatic Cancer Research – Lustgarten Foundation in Don’s memory.