Donald C. Hollis, 87, resident of Wolcott for over 24 years, passed peacefully on July 4th in Waterbury.

Donald was born on December 8, 1938 in Waterbury, son of the late Eben and Rose (Covelli) Hollis. His lifelong career was in the automotive industry where he sold parts and equipment to retail and repair businesses. He began working for Moe’s Auto Parts and Motor Parts & Equipment. Eventually he did this independently for over forty years working up until last year. Donald enjoyed restoring classic cars and was a fixture at auto shows throughout New England. He was also an avid golfer for most of his life playing primarily at courses in Waterbury.

He was a past president of The Pacers, an automobile club in Waterbury during the late 1950s and early 1960s that promoted outdoor automobile shows in Connecticut and safe driving.

Left to carry on his legacy are his two sons Donald K. Hollis, Kevin and his wife Jill Hollis, his three grandsons Francis, Nathan and Matthew Hollis, his sister Joan Renaud, his brother-in-law Jon Noble, and his former wife Emily Hollis.

Donald was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Lien Le Hollis, his brother Eben Hollis Jr., his sister-in-law Teresa Noble, his nephew Paul Townsend, his father-in-law Edwin Cleary, and his beloved mother-in-law, Theresa Cleary. He leaves several nephews and nieces, including Raymond and Theodore Townsend, Lee and Alyssa Renaud, and Kimberly (Renaud) Platt.

Friends and family are welcome to celebrate Donald’s life on Monday July 13th at Woodtick Memorial, 420 Woodtick Rd. in Wolcott. Calling hours begin at 10 AM followed by a funeral service beginning at 11:30. Burial will follow in New Pine Grove Cemetery. Woodtick Memorial is honored to care for Donald’s family and you are encouraged to visit www.woodtickmemorial.com for online condolences and directions.