Re: Essex Mourns the Passing of Town Historian Don Malcarne

philipmiller — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:25:30 -0000

Don Malcarne was an original, a local boy made good, a deep believer in public education, graduate of UConn, a successful sales and management professional who took the academic route as a mature presence as Town moderator to studying with Dr. John Pfeiffer to become an accomplished historian and archaeologist. He had a depth of knowledge of prehistory and historic Essex and the surrounding manufacturing enclaves. He impressed the academics at Wesleyan who asked him to teach a new generation of continuing learners. Don gave graciously to his Town and he was humble in his accomplishments and absolutely fascinated with the personalities and achievements of history and how it is so relevant to us today.
He was generous with his time for others and was seemingly always involved in one or more very interesting historical pursuits, as when he located the famed sailing racer Dauntless, built in Essex and today residing in San Diego and racing the Hawaiian racing series.
He was a tireless cheerleader for his community and he deeply believed in the people and their well intended stewardship. He adored his wife Shirley and his daughters were treasured by him and everyone has been blessed by his service.
I wonder if the next homegrown Town historian is at Valley Regional High School or Essex Elementary(?) They'd do very well to live such a rich life as Don Malcarne's.

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Re: Essex Mourns the Passing of Town Historian Don Malcarne