Obituary for Donovan Thomas Abbe
Donovan Thomas Abbe, 14, beloved son of William A. Abbe, III and Melissa Muldoon, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, August 28, 2022 in the wonderful care of his nurses and doctors at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford. The oldest son of William and Melissa, Donovan was born in Stafford, CT on July 11, 2008 and grew up in Enfield with his younger brother Caleb Abbe. Donovan loved video games, coding, creating digital art, as well as rapping and singing. He loved to bowl with his brother and had a bright personality that shined wherever he went. Since his diagnosis in 2017 he has continuously been a bright light in many people’s lives, and a true inspiration to all. Throughout his many grueling treatments he kept a smile on his face in a joke on his lips, facing every challenge with aplomb, strength, and dignity. He was a true warrior. His intellect and quick wit were a joy to experience. Though he was unable to attend eighth grade at all, he was able to make up the entire year in six weeks over summer, with the help of his tutor, Pamela Mele.
The family can't thank the staff at CCMC enough for their kind and compassionate care and friendship over the years, especially Donovan's nurse Drew Needham who was there with him through all of his treatments, up until the last moments. The family also would like to express their appreciation to Bright Beginning Preschool, Eli Whitney School, JFK Middle School, and Enfield High School for all the support over the years in fundraising and friendship. The family would like to thank The Camera Foundation, Inc and David Camera for all of the fundraising support over the years, it's appreciated beyond words. While Donovan's light did not shine as long as was hoped for, it will continue to shine in the lives of those he touched over his short 14 years on earth. Besides his loving parents Bill and Melissa and brother Caleb, he leaves his paternal grandparents, Memere Kathy Heerz, grandfather, William Abbe, Jr. and Brenda Gaylord; his Auntie Jess, his maternal grandparents, Thomas and Nancy Muldoon; his Uncle and Godfather, Sean Sullivan; his best friends, Timmy Mele, Cooper Casey, and Joseph Cafasso; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
His family will receive friends on Sunday, September 4, from 1-3 PM at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield. A Celebration of Donovan's life as well as a Fundraiser will take place in the future at a date to be announced by the family. Memorial donations in Donovan's name may be made to the Connecticut Children's Foundation, Inc., Attn: Memorial Gifts, PO Box 412901, Boston, MA 02241-2901. Please include Donovan Abbe in the memo line. For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com
The family can't thank the staff at CCMC enough for their kind and compassionate care and friendship over the years, especially Donovan's nurse Drew Needham who was there with him through all of his treatments, up until the last moments. The family also would like to express their appreciation to Bright Beginning Preschool, Eli Whitney School, JFK Middle School, and Enfield High School for all the support over the years in fundraising and friendship. The family would like to thank The Camera Foundation, Inc and David Camera for all of the fundraising support over the years, it's appreciated beyond words. While Donovan's light did not shine as long as was hoped for, it will continue to shine in the lives of those he touched over his short 14 years on earth. Besides his loving parents Bill and Melissa and brother Caleb, he leaves his paternal grandparents, Memere Kathy Heerz, grandfather, William Abbe, Jr. and Brenda Gaylord; his Auntie Jess, his maternal grandparents, Thomas and Nancy Muldoon; his Uncle and Godfather, Sean Sullivan; his best friends, Timmy Mele, Cooper Casey, and Joseph Cafasso; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
His family will receive friends on Sunday, September 4, from 1-3 PM at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield. A Celebration of Donovan's life as well as a Fundraiser will take place in the future at a date to be announced by the family. Memorial donations in Donovan's name may be made to the Connecticut Children's Foundation, Inc., Attn: Memorial Gifts, PO Box 412901, Boston, MA 02241-2901. Please include Donovan Abbe in the memo line. For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com