Donna Marie Perleone

Donna Marie Perleone, 76, of Manchester CT departed this life on November 17th, 2025, surrounded by her family and caregivers.

She was born in Hartford, CT on May 1, 1949, and was the daughter of the late Andrew and Cecile Perleone.

She spent her early years living in East Hartford with her family. She moved to Manchester, attended Manchester Schools and met her lifelong friend, Elaine. During their high school and college years they worked together at Vic’s Pizza. Donna attended the University of Hartford and upon graduation worked at the UCONN Health Center, Department of Anatomy in Farmington, typing department grants and donation acknowledgements. She later transferred to the State Properties Review Board, where again she typed the grants detailing restorative work, renovations or new construction to the many historical sites in the state.

Donna had a wide range of interests. She loved music and was an accomplished accordionist following in her fathers’ footsteps. She took early lessons at Dubaldo’s Music Studio in Manchester and continued to play for many years. She was an avid reader on a variety of topics. She loved to travel and made multiple trips to Italy, France, England and the Caribbean. She was a subscriber to the Bushnell and The Hartford Stage and made many trips to New York shows.

Donna is survived by her sister, Diane Roy and husband, Ron, of Belchertown, Mass. Her nephew, Jordan Roy also of Belchertown. Her niece, Stephanie Roy Shen and her husband, Austin of Ayer, Mass and their children Owen and Jocelyn, whom she doted on. A cousin Karen McLenithan of Enfield, and her lifelong friend Elaine Haddad of Rocky Hill, whose son Robert was Donna’s godson and her devoted goddaughter, Stella Mitchell Porto of New Jersey. From the seventh-grade bus stop to Donna’s last day they remained close friends and were always there for each other.

Donna’s family would like to express their thanks to her physicians and the staff of Manchester Hospital ECHN for their patient and compassionate care. We are extremely grateful for the guidance, support and excellent care given by the Visiting Nurse and Health Service. Particularly Jill for her support, skilled care and compassion. Lastly, many thanks and much gratitude to her caregivers, Margaret, Phina and Ester. Always attentive, comforting, and patient while giving Donna excellent care.

Calling Hours will be held at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 26th from 10am till 11:30am with a Memorial Service between 11:30am and 12pm. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

A Tribute from Donna's Goddaughter

Stella Porto

I am now 57, and when you called me about Donna's passing it reminded me

of the profound impact Donna had on my life. Throughout my formative years,

she maintained a constant presence at every significant event. Due to my

limited family support system, her Aunt Mary and Uncle Frank provided

invaluable emotional support. Donna consistently acknowledged my

birthdays, anniversaries and holidays through thoughtful gestures, including

gifts, cards, phone calls and visits. She was instrumental in celebrating my

academic achievements for all my degrees and championships. Notably,

when I was inducted into my high school's Hall of Fame this past year for my

accomplishments as a college winningest female coach in New York City

history, she expressed more enthusiasm than my own mother. Although she

was unable to attend the ceremony due to the distance and health, her desire

to be present was evident. I am deeply aware of the love and unique nature of

our relationship. Following my grandmother's passing, Donna assumed a

more significant role in enlightening me about my family history in Pittsburgh,

a connection that had been largely absent from my life. She facilitated

introductions, enabling me to fill in the gaps in my knowledge which resulted

in me going to Pittsburgh to meet them. I profoundly regret not having the

opportunity to tell her how much she meant to me. Despite her reassurances

that she was fine, I would have visited her if I had known the gravity of her

condition. I understand that she would not have wanted me to see her in that

state, and I respect her perspective. Just know that she was a major part of my

life. For that I'm forever grateful.