[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 28, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF DONALD MAGUDA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2024

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
accomplishments of Mr. Donald ``Don'' J. Maguda of Rockville, 
Connecticut. Aged 90, Donald passed peacefully on December 9, 2023, 
surrounded by family. Donald was a leader in his community and embraced 
a love for helping others that he held dear throughout his life.
  Born July 11, 1933, to Joseph Maguda and Stella Taylor in New 
Britain, Connecticut. Donald purposed his life toward protecting his 
community and leading with compassion. He graduated from Rockville High 
School, immediately after which he began a long and rewarding career as 
a fireman. Donald began his service with the Snipsic Hook and Ladder 
Company. Here, Donald was identified as a born leader and rose through 
the ranks of the Rockville Fire Department. In 1967, Donald's attention 
to detail and devotion to his work was rewarded when he became Chief of 
the department.
  As Chief, Donald used his leadership to coordinate and oversee the 
consolidation of the Rockville Fire Deparlment and Vernon Fire District 
into the Town of Vernon Fire Department. After the merger, Donald 
served as Fire Chief of the newly formed Vernon Fire Department in 
1980, still leaving time for his other passion, running his business, 
Maguda's Woodworking Shop. After decades of leadership with the fire 
department, in 1986 Donald transitioned to the role of Town of Vernon 
Fire Marshal until his retirement in 2002, concluding a remarkable 
nearly 50-year career during which he never lost a firefighter in the 
line of duty.
  Equipped with extensive knowledge in his field and a desire to share 
that knowledge with anyone who needed it, it is no surprise that Donald 
was a member of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association and the 
Connecticut Fire Marshals Association. Donald presented to numerous 
groups and individuals for better fire education and community 
involvement.
  Donald's work ethic and dedication to his community rubbed off on his 
son David, who followed in his footsteps to serve as a firefighter for 
42 years--most of which he spent serving under his father.
  In addition to this incredible work as a firefighter, Donald spent 
innumerable hours giving back to his community in other ways as well. 
In the 1960s, he was integral in starting ``Toys for Tots'' in Vernon, 
assisting children and families during the holidays and ``Christmas in 
April.'' Mr. Speaker, as a citizen of the town of Vernon who held 
elective office over the years, I had the privilege to know Don and see 
up close his intelligence, kindness, and unstinting devotion to duty. 
Our town was so blessed to know Don and to have his positive, critical 
contribution that saved lives and protected property.
  In his free time, Donald spent time with his family, those most 
important to him. They enjoyed taking vacations and cruises. Donald 
could also be found landscaping, woodworking, playing golf, and playing 
cards with friends and family.
  Though we mourn this incredible loss, we can find solace in knowing 
that Donald's memory and legacy will live on through his family and the 
countless number of individuals who knew him. Donald is survived by his 
beloved wife of 64 years, Gabrielle, his son David and his wife 
Michelle, his daughter Donna and her husband Jeffrey, and countless 
nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to know and represent 
constituents as purposeful in their work as Donald. As we memorialize 
Donald's faithful service. I ask that my colleagues join me in paying 
tribute to Donald Maguda.

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