Donald Edward Roman, 85, passed away on January 25, 2026

Donald was born on Nov. 23, 1940, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of the late Elizabeth M. Roman.

Donald leaves behind his husband of 16 years and partner for 45 years Gary Jacobs of Clinton, Conn.; his brother-in-law Michael Jacobs and his wife, Susan, of Bristol, Conn., his sister-in-law Gloria Roman of Ellicott City, MD along with all his nephews and nieces.

Donald was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth Roman and his brother Joseph H. Roman. He was proud of his Lithuanian lineage.

Donald lived in Sharon, MA and Cambridge, MA during his childhood years. He attended Saint Peters Catholic School and graduated from Cambridge High and Latin School in 1959. Donald attended Bentley University for accounting and business before entering the United States Marine Corps at the age of 21 to serve during the Vietnam era. Donald received his Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion Infantry where he trained new recruits on firearms. He served as a Sergeant in the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in September of 1968.

Donald had an affinity to aviation and took lessons to receive his small aircraft pilot license. He also had an enthusiasm for hot air balloon rides and glider planes.

Donald worked in the Insurance industry before his career with United Parcel Service. He retired from United Parcel Service in a managerial position at the Hartford Customer Center after 25 years of service.

Donald’s lifelong desire was to study horticulture and was an avid gardener. He continually applied his passion to transform the yards of the 3 homes (East Hartford, CT., Sanibel Island, FL., and Clinton, CT) he shared with his partner Gary. Donald took great pride when the town of East Hartford Beautification Committee recognized his landscaping. He also enjoyed travelling with trips to the UK, Europe, Mexico, and Saint Martin. Donald especially enjoyed spending relaxing weekends in Cape Cod and Manchester, VT with his husband Gary.

Family and Friends may pay their respect at the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at 400 Main Street, Manchester, Conn. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 AM at Saint James Church, 896 Main Street, Manchester. Burial will be held directly after mass in the Saint James Cemetery, Broad Street, Manchester. A Celebration of Life reception will be held at 2:00 PM in The Hollows Woodbridge Room at Manchester Country Club, 305 S. Main Street, Manchester

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to one of Donald’s preferred charities: Disabled American Veterans (https://www.DAV.org); the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center – Hartford (Connecticut Children’s Foundation) or the Shriner’s Children’s Organization.