Donald Aldrich Verdery

Donald Aldrich Verdery, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, October 25, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Laurelle Favreau Verdery; his three children, Amanda, Sara, and James; and his four cherished grandchildren, Julian, Edith, Hannah, and Charlotte. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law and two sons-in-law; his brother, Benjamin Verdery, and sister-in-law, Rie Schmidt; his sister, Joan Grey, and brother-in-law, George Grey; as well as nieces, nephews, a wide circle of dear friends, and extended family.

He was predeceased by his brother, Daniel Verdery, and sister-in-law, Margaret Verdery, and by his parents, Suzanne (née Aldrich) and John Duane Verdery.

Donald was born on May 19, 1952, in Danbury, Connecticut, and spent his entire life in Connecticut. He took great pleasure in the natural beauty of the Litchfield Hills and the changing seasons. Cape Cod and France were also cherished places he called home, where he spent much of his life.

Donald, affectionately known as Don, was a deep lover of the Earth, a dirt-worshipper, a constant gardener, and a wild audiophile. He channeled his profound love of music and art into helping performing artists build and sustain their careers. He dedicated much of his life to championing the arts, advancing political action through art, and celebrating the cultural enrichment that the arts bring to our lives. He became an expert in the U.S. visa process, helping countless international artists navigate the complexities of securing visas to perform in the United States.

He was a progressive thinker, a feminist, an authentic lover of women, and an ally to the disenfranchised. He was also an absolute master chef. Nothing pleased him more than preparing and sharing a wonderful meal and fine wine with friends and family, especially when made with the bounty of his and Laurelle's gardens.

He was a Francophile, a poetic soul, a rambler, a painter, a self-taught mason, a creator of beautiful spaces, an ocean lover, a tennis player, and a psychedelic explorer of life's big questions.

Above all, Don was a very proud and doting father and grandfather, a devoted husband, and a steadfast friend. He will be profoundly missed and forever loved. His big heart, boundless passions, and enduring love for his family and friends, for music and nature, and for life itself will remain with all who knew him.

His ashes will be interred at Dennis Cemetery on Cape Cod.

We will honor Don's life with a ceremony and celebration on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at the Woodridge Lake Clubhouse, 260 East Hyerdale Drive, Goshen, Connecticut. Jack Gilpin will officiate.

Celebration of Life

·       2:00 p.m. – Arrival

·       2:30–3:30 p.m. – Ceremony

·       3:30–6:00 p.m. – Social