Donald Roy Witkos

Portsmouth, RI - Donald Roy Witkos, 78, of 22 Pioneer Lane, Portsmouth, RI, died unexpectedly Friday, July 22, 2011. He was the devoted husband of Claire Angers Witkos.Born in Chicopee, MA on Aug 27, 1932, he was the son of the late John and Josephine Roy Witkos. He was the brother of the late John J. Jackie Witkos.Don was a mechanical engineer, retired from a career at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport. Don was a kind man, who took great joy in the time he spent with his family. His engineering background led him to a lifelong passion building model ships, cars and planes and most recently enjoying Sudoku puzzles. He was also an avid reader of suspense and espionage novels. He was an enthusiastic hockey fan, and spent many years as a youth hockey coach in addition to being a skilled player himself.He is survived by wife of 53 years, Claire Witkos of Portsmouth, RI, sons Paul Witkos and his wife Christine of Middletown, RI, John Witkos and his wife Kimberley of Milford, MI, a daughter Linda Witkos of Middletown, RI and her companion Mark Whitehouse, as well as his three grandchildren, Owen, Ethan, and Julia who gave him much happiness. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, July 26 from 4:00-7:00 pm in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI. Burial will be private.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 1 State Street, Suite 200, Providence, RI 02908.