In loving memory of

Donald P. Jestings
February 2, 1929 - September 5, 2021

Donald P. Jestings, 92, of Portsmouth died on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at Newport Hospital after a short illness. He was the loving husband of the late Ethel L. (DeCosta) Jestings.

Born on February 2, 1929 in New Bedford, MA, he was the son of the late Charles S. and Gertrude (Dreher) Jestings. Don grew up in Middletown on Oliphant Lane. He joined the United States Navy and served on the USS New Jersey during the Korean War. He continued his service as a member of the Reserves for several years. After returning home, got right to work, as he was known to do; you could say he was working from ages 8 to age 83, nonstop. He started his own firm in 1972, Don Jestings and Sons Electrical and Mechanical Contractors. Mr. Jestings shared his knowledge and experience in business by serving on the Board of New England Technical Institute. He enjoyed tending to his rose garden, a lifelong love for animals, and was a life time member of the Town Howlers and the American Legion Post 18 in Newport.

He is survived by his children, Paul Jestings of Portsmouth, Scott W. Jestings of Middletown, James S. Jestings of Tiverton, Cynthia L. Belden of Tiverton, Patricia Jestings Savadyga and Pam Jestings Conly, both of Portsmouth, ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and his brother Walter J. Jestings of Columbus, Ohio. He was the brother of the late Charles S. Jestings, Jr.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 10 from 4:00-7:00pm in Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, September 11 at 10:00am, in Portsmouth United Methodist Church, 2732 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI. Burial with Military honors will be in Newport Memorial Park, Howland Avenue, Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Potter League for Animals, 83 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842.

Tributes

Jeff Field wrote on Sep 13, 2021:

"Paul and Family,I?m so,so sorry that I overlooked the passing of Don. I just learned of the wake and service. Please accept Cheryl?s and my Prayers. Your Family are good people!!"

Shirley Sullivan wrote on Sep 11, 2021:

"My deepest condolences to the Jestings family, Paul, Scott, James, Cynthia, Patricia ,and Pam, your dad was a very kind man, may he rest in peace ??and God Bless ??? Shirley& Family ?? "

Raymond and Deborah Dutra wrote on Sep 8, 2021:

"Our deepest sympathy to the entire Jestings Family. You are in our thoughts. Sincerely, Raymond and Deborah Dutra"

Linda Goforth Schilder wrote on Sep 8, 2021:

"Don Jestings's shop was across the street from my rental in the late '70's. When I bought my first house the electric hot water heater STOPPED working immediately. He offered to schedule service right away but I confided I had no money left after the closing. He lead me through the entire process of draining the hot water tank, removing the element, and replacing it , all ''over the phone'"! I've never forgot his kindness! My sympathies to his family and our community a really kind, generous veteran has passed on. L.G.Schilder"

Mona Lyga Carberry wrote on Sep 8, 2021:

"Cyndi, So sorry to hear of your dads passing. My deepest sympathies to your family. Mona Lyga Carberry"

Leslie Costic wrote on Sep 8, 2021:

"My sincere condolences to the entire Jestings family. Within you, his legacy will live on. You are in my prayers ?"