Donald “Donnie” F. Holloway, a denizen of Mystic, passed quietly at home on December 20, 2022 just five days shy of his birthday.
Born in New London on December 26, 1951, he spent his childhood in the woods of Montville. An accomplished wrestler in high school, Donnie was forever pleased with his numerous athletic exploits over the years. Many are the tales of his softball prowess as a member of various tournament teams, which took him across the U.S. and Canada. His life found its purpose when he joined the Town of Groton Police Department in 1983 through his retirement in 2009.
A true cop’s cop, he represented the greatness of law enforcement: its brotherhood, its positive influence within the community, its humanity. Despite a difficult childhood, he channeled kindness, particularly to enhance the safety of others. In his career, Donnie served as a tireless protector of children, the elderly, and those who needed his help the most. He enjoyed his initiation of the mountain bike policing program and his summer rotations on the police boat. His partners-in-arms knew he had their backs, on the job and at home. Awarded several commendations during his tenure, he saved lives.
Along with his professional accomplishments, Donnie’s friendship and care remain in the hearts and memories of all he encountered. The life of every party, he would give the shirt off his back when necessary. He raised people up with that energy, lifting them in joy, shining the light on them, especially in their most challenging times. With smiles, shouts, handshakes, and hugs, he filled the room, yet he made sure all had their special space at the top, their moment to feel like royalty.
From humble beginnings, working day-in day-out, giving his all to others, Donnie was a rare breed. Those close to him appreciate his unique personality. A deep reader, he could cite the latest stock market trends, share insight into his favorite true-crime novels, suggest the finest wines, sing aloud the latest rock ballads, then recite baseball statistics, American history, and local news. His lifelong love for the Boston Red Sox proves his loyalty.
Donnie is survived by his children and grandchildren, for whom he was most proud: daughter Stacey Wilbur, her husband Scott, of Pawcatuck, and grandchildren, Seth and his wife Mary Catherine, of New Orleans, and Cole, of Houston; son Joseph Holloway, his partner Michelle Hall, and grandchildren Ethan Walsh, of Manhattan, NY, Leah and Bennett Holloway, of Colchester; and their mother, his former wife Roni (Johnson) Oddo, of Uncasville.
He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Lorraine “Sissy” and Harold Bufton, of Estacada, OR; Stuart and Gloria Holloway, of The Villages, FL; Bruce Holloway, of Homestead, FL; Gary Holloway, of Oakdale; Dawn and David Hamilton, of Old Lyme; and Dale Potter, of Norwich; along with his nephews, nieces, and their children. He was predeceased by his parents, Francis Holloway and Joaquina (Okazaki) Bell, his sister Carmen Kelly, and his brother Wallace Holloway.
Special consideration goes out to his many acquaintances and former colleagues throughout Southeastern CT and beyond who brought him happiness, with gratitude to David Konicki and his other dear friends for their kinship and support, notably over these last several years.
Proper visitation will be held on Thursday, December 29th, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., with memorial service from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Downtown Mystic. Burial will be at a later date.