Donald J. Bystrack, 80, of North Branford passed away suddenly on Monday, January 8, 2018 at Yale New Haven Hosptial/St. Raphael campus with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of 50 years to Dolores Giannini Bystrack. Donald was born in New Haven on July 14, 1937 and was the son of the late Charles A. and Adella V. Zieminski Bystrack. He had worked for 20 years as a driver for Hermann Trucking, was part owner of the Branford Furniture Outlet and then worked as a Repairman for Winchester/US Repeating Arms. He was a member of the Teamsters Local #443.  Donald enjoyed his frequent trips to the casino and playing his lottery scratch-offs, enjoyed traveling, woodworking, camping trips in Connecticut and Rhode Island, sitting by the ocean and reflecting but most of all spending time with his family, especially his wife, daughters and grandsons whom he loved unconditionally. Father of Danielle (David) DeCola and Heather Allard. Grandfather of David DeCola, Jr., Theodore DeCola, Nathaniel Allard and Luke DeCola. Also survived by a niece and nephews. Predeceased by his brother Charles R. Bystrack.    

His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue Thursday morning at 10:15. Family and friends may call from 8:30 to 10:15 am. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Augustine Church at 11:00. Interment will follow in the North Haven Center Cemetery. Should friends’ desire, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.