"Don: You and I went way back in your earliest days at America West on the ramp. I loved you and your treasure trove of personality and unforgettable sense of humor. You made my day so many times in how you handled life. It was a simple pleasure just being around you. I retired eleven years ago, but I never forgot what you carried with you in your love of life. Be with God, My Friend. I will never forget you. I just know you are in the wonderment of a Heavenly peace. Thank you, Donny!"
In loving memory of
Donald Joseph Carbonneau
May 29, 1975 - March 3, 2022
Donald "Donny" Joseph Carbonneau Jr., age 46, of Phoenix, AZ passed away suddenly on March 3, 2022. Donny was born in Wrightstown, NJ at the Fort Dix Army Base on May 29, 1975. He spent his first few years with his mother and father living at the McGuire Air Force Base while his father served in the Air Force. When he was 3 the family moved back to Massachusetts where they lived in Beverly and then in Gloucester where you could find Donny hanging out at the local Fire Department making friends with the friendly firemen. His younger sister Elizabeth was born there and then the family moved to Lynn when Donny was about 8 years old. Shortly after, Donny's second little sister Sharon was born. Donny took great pride in being the older brother and helping his mom care for his little sisters. The family moved to Tewksbury in 1986 and he remained there until he went off on his own. During this time Donny played baseball and excelled in school. You could often find him throwing the ball constantly against the house trying to get it perfectly in the hole that the water hose would make when wrapped up against the concrete. He enjoyed exploring and hanging out with his best friends.
Donny was first diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 13 and continued to battle this disease throughout his early adulthood. He participated in the Make a Wish Foundation and chose to meet with Gaylord Perry, a Major League baseball player who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, who graciously accepted this invite. A big highlight for Donny during a difficult time in his life.
Donny married his best friend Jen Edmonds at the age of 21 and they were married for 20 years. They divorced in 2015 but remained friends for the rest of their lives. When first married they moved to Arizona. Shortly after moving to Arizona Donny began his career with the airlines where he continued to work throughout the remainder of his life. He eventually rose to Crew Chief in 2014, and in 2020 was elected Union President of IAM Local 2559 Sky Harbor International Airport Lodge where he was loved and respected for the diligent work that he did. He recently celebrated 25 years with the airline.
Through the years, family and friends would meet at Plum Island in Newbury, MA for 2 weeks every July, first at Aunt Karen's and later at Aunt Joyce and Uncle Mike's rental on the beach. Everybody was invited and it became a place to reconnect every year. Donny continued the tradition as an adult and began to rent his own place and invite many of his friends from AZ to come and stay with him. One night of the week was reserved for dinner at Aunt Sue and Jen's.
At the time of his death, Donny was living with his girlfriend Marie Kiszczak. They had been together over 4 years and they shared a love for both travel and adventure. In 2020, Donny bought a condo in Marblehead, MA and they would escape to this old seaside town on weekends when they could and scout out yard sales and auctions for nautical gems to decorate his condo.
Donny is survived by his loving parents Donald Sr. & Sandra Carbonneau, sisters Elizabeth Ozdiker (husband Mahmut), and Sharon Sorells, nieces and nephews Batuhan (Batu) Ozdiker, Alicia Carbonneau, Christian Sorells, Ava Ozdiker, Maximus Fazio and Troy Ozdiker. There are numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and other extended family members who cherished and loved him so much. Donny never complained and always had a smile on his face. He impacted so many lives around the world and never once took credit for any of it and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Donny lived life to the fullest and spent the last of his years travelling the world and doing things that most people can only dream of. His absence has left an emptiness in many hearts that will only be fully healed when we reunite with him again in Heaven.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Hansen Mortuary, 6500 East Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85254 on March 13 at noon with the reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guide Dogs of America, Make a Wish Foundation, and the Lymphoma Research Foundation. For those who are unable to attend the Celebration in person you may go the following link to live stream the service: https://vimeo.com/686029604
Tributes
"Donny was part of my family for most of my life as my brother-in-law. Many of my best memories include him. We shared many drinks, meals, holidays, and happy times over the years. He loved to cook and entertain and was always so welcoming. I will never forget flying out to Arizona to stay with Jen and Donny for my high school graduation. That was one of the best weeks of my life. I can?t believe they are both gone now. I am so very sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for your family. - Amanda Lake "
"My italian brother i will miss, I have met many people in the 38years of being in the airline industry but you were in a class of your own, always helping everyone no matter what the case my been, the folks at American/America West will never forget you, all of us have great memories and stories of you, and they are burned into our souls. Rest my friend you are now in Gods hands.. Your friend Zac."
"Though i didn't know Donny well, i respected him. We were fellow New Englander's @ heart & loved both AZ & the Northeast. Not long ago i needed union assistance & Donny was my go-to. He took time to assist me AT NIGHT, off the clock AND while in Massachusetts.. Calls we're made, the matter resolved, & Donny when called me back with the good news his integrity & character & loyally to his fellow workers shone through. My kinda guy.. i was so impressed & he will be missed. My condolences to all his family & loved ones -Chad MacDonald"
"Though i didn't know Donny well, i respected him. We were fellow New Englander's @ heart & loved both AZ & the Northeast. Not long ago i needed union assistance & Donny was my go-to. He took time to assist me AT NIGHT, off the clock AND while in Massachusetts.. Calls we're made, the matter resolved, & Donny when called me back with the good news his integrity & character & loyally to his fellow workers shone through. My kinda guy.. i was so impressed & he will be missed. My condolences to all his family & loved ones -Chad MacDonald"
"Donny was a great friend and added kid on Ryan Rd!!! It saddens me to know he is gone but I know he is in a better place and with Grandparents that loved him. To his parents and sisters, the Murphy, Burke and Conlon relatives my heart goes out to you all. Kara (Kincade) Sterling"