Donald Aaron Byington, Jr.

Donald Aaron Byington, age 88, of Wilkesboro, North Carolina, passed peacefully in his sleep at his home on Wednesday, July 14, 2021.  A native of Norwalk, CT, Don was born November 7, 1932 to Donald Aaron Byington, Sr. and Ann Maher Byington. Don graduated Norwalk High School and served two years in the United States Army Occupational Forces, stationed in Germany. 

Following his military service, Don was hired as a Firefighter for the City of Norwalk, before he was promoted to Fire Inspector, and then to Deputy Fire Marshal. Don retired from Norwalk in 1971 to become Fire Chief/Fire Marshal for the Town of Wilton, and was recruited as Fire Chief/Fire Marshal for the town of Westport in 1980. 

Throughout his fire service career, Don was active in many fire and civic organizations in Connecticut, including his service as: Vice President of the CT International Association of Arson Investigators; President of the CT Fire Marshal’s Association; Chairman of the Wilton Fire Commission, and of the Norwalk-Wilton Chapter of the American Red Cross Disaster Committee. Don was also appointed by Governor Thomas Meskill to the CT State Fire Prevention and Control Commission, and he served on the CT Fire Code Standards Commission during Governor Grasso’s term.  

Don relocated to Florida in 1991, where he worked as a Code Consultant in Brandon and a Housing and Community Improvement Code Investigator in Tampa. During this time, Don actively pursued an education in Theology, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Life Christian University, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling, and a Doctorate of Letters from Beacon Bible college and Seminary.  Following his studies, Don was ordained and affiliated with the International Apostolic Ministries and Kairos Prison Ministries.  Most recently, Don relocated from Florida to Wilkesboro, North Carolina, where he continued to devote the remainder of his life to helping others in spiritual need. 

Don is survived by his loving wife, Susan Ness Byington of Wilkesboro, and her children: Diana Rogers of Connecticut, and Richard Dolmatin of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; along with children from his first marriage to Shirley Ashbrook Byington: daughter Donna Hempstead of Norwalk, Connecticut, and son Jeffrey Byington of Corrina, Maine; as well as 5 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Don is also survived by sisters: Nora B. Smith of Delray Beach FL, Ann Rose Rothberg of Brookfield CT, Agnes (Honey) Poti and Michele Byington, both of Sun City Center FL; and brothers:  Henry (Doc) of Seagoville TX, John of Boynton Beach FL, and Gary of Austin,TX;  as well as 27 nieces and nephews. 

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com. 

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