Donald Edward Kager

Donald Edward Kager, 66, of Ridgefield, died on Sunday, January 4, 2026. He was the loving husband of Mary Bridget Cooke-Kager. Don was born on December 10, 1959, in Brooklyn, NY, a son of the late Robert and Dolores (Sussmann) Kager.

The third of four boys, Don, and his brothers were raised in Queens and Haverstraw, New York, and later Danbury, CT, where he attended King Street, Broadview Middle, and Danbury High Schools. Don earned his BS in Business from Central Connecticut State University. A lifelong learner and avid reader, he worked tirelessly as he continued his education, initially in computer programming and later as a Certified Network Engineer. Don and Mary Bridget first met while at The Perkin-Elmer Corporation.

Spending his over four-decade career technical problem-solving for multiple law firms in New York City, he was currently with McDermott, Will & Schulte. A resident of Ridgefield for the past 35 years, with his quiet spirituality, Don was a faithful parishioner of Saint Mary Church. An avid golfer for the whole of his life, he was often seen bright and early on summer weekends, walking the Ridgefield Golf Course. A parent member of Ridgefield BSA Troop 49, a volunteer for Saint Mary’s Home School Association, and a Basketball coach for RBA, he was a devoted family man. Don cheered and supported his children and was so proud of their educational and career achievements. A Boy Scout himself in Danbury Troop 52, he was thrilled with both of his sons earning their Eagle Scout rank and his daughter earning her Girl Scout Gold Award.

He had a great love of the outdoors, especially the ocean, and he led his family on campouts from Acadia and Cape Cod to the Outer Banks and to Yellowstone. He loved the National Parks. Steadfast and devoted, Don lovingly supported and cared for his parents as they grew frail and elderly. With his signature red hair and his quiet, warm smile, he and the family's yellow lab Scout were a fixture in the neighborhood on their daily walks through town.

Don is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Mary Bridget, as well as their three children: Ciaran Kager and his wife, Hayley Kager (Dallas, TX), Desmond Kager and his beloved, Sophia Carson (Portsmouth, NH), and his daughter, Bridget Kager. In addition, Don is survived by his much-loved brothers: Michael Kager and his wife, Nora; Robert Kager and his wife, Patty; and Patrick Kager and his wife, Catherine; his cherished sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Ridgefield. Contributions in Don's memory may be made to St. Mary School Fund Scholarship - 183 High Ridge Avenue; Ridgefield, CT 06877, or online at https://smsridgefield.org/support-sms/saint-mary-fund/