Dana ("Big D") Pelkey, age 84, of New Haven, the beloved widower of Joan Barnwell Pelkey, passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 in the West River Health Care Center in Milford. Dana, a retired manager for Raybestos Manufacturing, was born in Newburgh, ME, to the late Pearly and Olive (Grendell) Pelkey and had been a longtime Stratford resident, until moving to New Haven 10 years ago. He loved to fish, bowl, play golf and camp with his good friends. In addition to his beloved wife Joan, he was predeceased by a sister, Virginia Friedrich and a brother, Ivan Pelkey. Survivors include his devoted daughter, Penny Carter and her husband James of Stratford, three cherished grandchildren, Shannon, Brooke and Patrick, all of Stratford, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Heather Hulford, who was like a daughter to him. Friends may greet the family on Sunday from 3-6pm in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford, with a prayer service with the Rev. Meg Williams officiating taking place at 5:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Dana's memory be made to: DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust. Interment will be private.