Donald Nicholas Ludwig

Donald N. Ludwig, 86, of Portsmouth, RI passed away on Sunday, August 26, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at home.

Born September 1, 1931 in Ellington, CT, he was the son of Edward A. and Hazel Charter Ludwig. He leaves his wife of 53 years, Patricia DeSantis Ludwig, his sister Charlotte Ludwig Trench (James) of Ellington, CT; his children Donald Ludwig, Jr. of Fleetwood, PA, Kim Ludwig Fitzroy of West Hawley, MA, Crystal Ludwig Luginbuhl of Vernon, CT, David Sullivan (Patricia) of Ft. Myers, FL, Susan Sullivan Hartley (David) of Lebanon, CT, Deborah Sullivan Erickson (Scott) of Fayetteville, NC, and Diane Sullivan (Carlton Ogata) of Kaneohe, HI.

He was predeceased by his six siblings: Harris, Norman, Grace Ludwig Partelo, Esther Ludwig Schofield, Hazel Ludwig Johndrow and Edward.

He is also survived by three granddaughters, Shelley Carpenter (Matthew), Kelly Johnson, Sarah Kingsley (Daniel), two grandsons, Brendan Alexander, Daniel Fitzroy and two great-grand children and many nieces and nephews.

Raised on the family farm in Ellington, CT, Don acquired a strong work ethic that he carried throughout his life. He was always willing to help family, friends and neighbors fixing, repairing and building. He was always there to help.

The youngest of eight children, he graduated from Howell Cheney Technical School as an electrician. He then enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed on a radar site on an island, Okushiri Shima, in the middle of the Sea of Japan for two years, until the war ended. Their mission was to track and intercept MiGs flying out of Russia. They were told when they were left on the island that if anything happened, no one would be able to rescue them. They were expendable. He was very proud of his service to his country and took offense to the expression The Korean War The Forgotten War.

After the war he returned to Connecticut and went to work at Pratt-Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT as a Construction Electrician. On retiring in 1987 after 37 years, he began his new life at the Keepers Cottage in Portsmouth, RI. An avid deep-sea fisherman, he also became a lobsterman. He took great pleasure going up and down Narragansett Bay early in the morning, checking his lobster pots with his yellow lab, Max. When he had guests he loved asking them, How many lobsters would you like?

Don was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will truly be missed by all those who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in his name to: Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 31, 2018 from 4:00 7:00 pm in the Connors Funeral Home at 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 10:00 am at the Connors Funeral Home

Burial to follow in St. Columba Cemetery