Mr. Donald Joseph Charette Sr., 81, of Wolcott, died on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Waterbury Hospital. For the past 59 years, he was the beloved husband of Joan (DiCarlo) Charette.

Born in Fort Kent, Maine, on September 30, 1944, Donald was the son of the late Edward and Agnes (Roy) Charette. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era. Donald retired from the Waterbury Fire Department after more than 28 years of service. For the past 19 years, he also drove the bus for the Wolcott Senior Center. Donald was very active in his community. He served on the Wolcott Town Council for 13 years, was a member of the American Legion in Wolcott, and was a past president of the Connecticut Firefighters Association.

In addition to his wife Joan, Donald is survived by his four children: Donald J. Charette Jr. and his wife Gayle, Mark Charette, Tracey Charette and her husband David Maisto, and Robert Charette and his wife Amanda. He is also survived by his three grandchildren: Zachary, Jacob, and Alexandria Maisto; his four step grandchildren: Marissa Mitchell and her husband Nick; Nicholas Guild and his wife Hailey; Brody Guild and his wife Ashley; and Dawson Ryan. Donald leaves behind 2 great-grandchildren: JD Maisto and Kolbe Maisto, 4 Step great-grandchildren: Roy White, Mercedes Guild, and Clayton and Wyatt Mitchell. He is further survived by his sister Diane and her husband Robert Ruscitto; sister-in-law Donna Charette; brother-in-law Richard DiCarlo and his wife Andrea; sister-in-law Jean Sciortino and her husband Gerald; and several nieces and nephews. Donald was predeceased by three brothers and one sister. Donald's family would like to thank his caregiver Brenda for the wonderful care she provided over the last two years. 

Donald’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, February 11th, at 10:15 a.m., from Woodtick Memorial, 420 Woodtick Road, Wolcott, to St. Pius X Church / St. Basil Parish, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at All Saints Cemetery in Waterbury. Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Woodtick Memorial. Woodtick Memorial is honored to serve the Charette family. Please visit www.woodtickmemorial.com for online condolences and additional information.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald’s memory to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd., New York, NY, United States, 10306