Valerie Danforth Fast, age 70, long-time resident of Noank, CT, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026 in Westerly, RI.
Born on March 23rd, 1955, she grew up in Wellesley, MA with her father Dana Danforth, stepmother Gloria, and siblings David, Allison, Stuart, and Robert. She was educated at Dana Hall School.
While attending Connecticut College and bartending at the Jolly Beggar, Val fell in love with Mystic and found her calling in wooden boatbuilding. She apprenticed for John Gardner and would go on to teach at the Mystic Seaport in the small boat shop.
FITCH HIGH SCHOOL SAILING TEAM FUNDRAISER
The Fitch High School Sailing Team is being revived! We not only have interest from Fitch, but from Groton Middle School and Marine Science Magnet High School. We practice at UCONN Avery Point, and compete against other local high schools.
To support the team we are looking for monetary donations payable in check form to Fitch High School Sailing Team. Mail to Fitch HighSchool, 101 Groton Long Point Rd, Groton CT 06340
Contact fitchsailing@gmail.com with any questions
