Donald B. Birnbaum, 86, of Wethersfield, founder and former president of Mille Mills, Rocky Hill, died Saturday, (March 4, 2006) at the Hebrew Home & Hospital. He was the husband of the late Mille Matts Birnbaum. Born in New Britain, he was the son of the late Isaac and Molly (Quatinetz) Birnbaum. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II. He was associated with the former Young and Van Buren Store in Wethersfield, which he owned and operated with his late brother, Arthur. In 1957 Donald, Mille and Arthur, opened Mille Mills in Rocky Hill, a fabric, yarn, crafts, and notions store. Donald always had a ready smile and a joke for all. In his four years at the Hebrew Home he went out of his way to help and advocate for other residents. An animal lover, he also made it his mission to feed the birds and the squirrels. Material wealth meant nothing to Donald; all he cared about was his family’s health, security and happiness. Mille was the great love of his life. He leaves a son, Jeffrey L. Birnbaum and his wife Sue Y. Lee of New York, NY; a daughter, Beth S. Birnbaum of Newton, MA; and a grandson, Mattori L. Birnbaum. He was predeceased by his brother Arthur Birnbaum and sister-in-law Lenore Birnbaum. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at 2:00 PM at Temple Beth Sholom Memorial Park, Jordan Lane Ext., Wethersfield. Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Friends of Connecticut, P.O. Box 370306, West Hartford 06137 or to American Friends of Alyn Hospital for Handicapped Children, 51 East 42nd Street, Suite 308, New York, NY 10017. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions, or to share memories of Donald with his family, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.
