Survivor List
(last names beginning with "D")

Nearly 7,000 circus fans attended the afternoon show on July 6, 1944, and many were fortunate enough to survive the blaze. Here are the names of some of the survivors, and also the names of those who helped or are otherwise associated with the Hartford Circus Fire, though they may not have been in attendance during the tragic performance.

Names are sorted by "last name first"; in cases of women who got married after the circus fire, their name in 1944 is used when known. The search function at the top of the each page can also be used to search the entire website for a name or term.

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L -M - N - O
P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

D'Abato, Mrs. Margaret; 1007 Albany Ave, Hartford
  • Provided a witness statement, seated in bleachers on right side. 
Daigle, Carmella "Bea" (16); Vernon
  • Went to the circus with her brothers, Eugene and John Daigle, and sister Nanette Backhouse.  They all escaped the burning big top.  
Daigle, Eugene "Gene" (13); Vernon
  • Went to the circus with his brother John L. Daigle and two sisters, Carmella Daigle and Nanette Backhouse.  They all escaped the burning big top. 
  • Mr. Daigle passed away March 14, 2010. 
Daigle, John L. (11); Vernon
  • Went to the circus with his brother Eugene Daigle and two sisters, Carmella Daigle and Nanette Backhouse, and barely escaped by climbing to the top of the bleachers, jumping to a pole and sliding down, then crawling under the sidewall canvas.  Mr. Daigle passed away peacefully on February 18, 2016. [obituary]
  • Mr. Daigle was quoted in a July, 1991 Northeast Magazine article: "There was a hole where the tent poles came in.  I remember waiting for this little girl to jump before I did.  And some guy, an adult, pushed her off because she wasn't moving fast enough.  I have no idea what happened to her.  I remember looking back [into the tent] and seeing nothing but charred things.  For a few days after, anytime anyone talked about it, I got sick to my stomach."
Dakin, Mrs. Rose (36); 43 Poquonock Ave, Windsor
  • Survived the circus fire, but sustained sprains, bruises and contusions to her arms, legs, knees and back; also suffered from nervous shock and instability of her knee.  Mrs. Dakin was awarded $1,220 by the arbitration board for her injuries. 
Darico, Beverly (7); Vernon/Rockville area
  • aka Beverly (Darico) Addis. Went to circus with her mother Mary Darico, aunt Clara Lutton, and two Kabrick boys. All would survive.  
  • Beverly was celebrating her 8th birthday which would be on July 8th.CFR 
Darico, Mary (adult); Vernon/Rockville area
  • Went to the circus with her sister Clara Lutton, daughter Beverly Darico, and two Kabrick boys. All survived.CFR 
Darzentas, Frances (child)
  • (Now known as Frances Bibbes) Attended the circus with her father, and they were sitting in the upper part of the bleachers when the fire broke out; her father told Frances to jump, which she did, causing a small disfigurement to her back which has gotten worse over time. 
Darzentas, ‘Mr.’ (adult)
  • Attended circus with his daughter, Frances Darzentas, and the two were sitting in the upper part of the bleachers when the fire broke out; Mr. Darzentas told Frances to jump, which she did, causing a small injury to her back.
Davidson, Audrey (11), 441 Garden St, Hartford
  •  Provided a witness statement, seated in bleachers on right side. 
Davidson, Ester; 441 Garden St, Hartford
  • Provided a witness statement, seated in bleachers on right side. 
Davis, Lorraine (minor); 21 York St, Hartford
  • Was awarded $750 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC
Davis, Mrs. Margaret M.; 19 Townley St, Hartford
  • Was awarded $4,000 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Dawson, Danny (child)
  • Named in O'Nan's The Circus Fire book.TCF
Day, Weston; Westminster Road, Bristol
  • Attended circus with his two children, all got out safely.
DeBella, Antoinette; 25 Shultes Place, Hartford
  • Provided a witness statement, seated in bleachers on right side. 
Deblois, Bernice M.; 59 Milk St, Willimantic
  • Was awarded $20,500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
DeCarlo, Mrs. Samuel; 519 Maple Ave, Hartford
  • Provided a witness statement, seated in bleachers on right side. 
Deccy, Louise (14); Newington
Deckey, Billy (2); Bardwell Road, East Hartford
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/7/44.THC 
DeKow, Mrs. Alma; Terryville
  • Attended circus with 9 members of her family - none injured or killed.
de la Vergne, David (4); Undercliff Sanatorium, Meriden
  • Attended the circus with his parents Dr. Paul Mason de la Vergne and Elizabeth, and family friend Dr. Lawrence Thompson and his son Jack.  The group sat in the top row of bleachers, but Elizabeth relocated to a lower seat due to her fear of heights.  The men escaped the tent by sliding down the ropes behind the bleachers and dropping the boys down; Elizabeth never made it out alive.   
de la Vergne, Dr. Paul Mason; Undercliff Sanatorium, Meriden  
  • Staff physician at Undercliff, attended circus with his wife Elizabeth de la Vergne, their older son David, and family friend Dr. Lawrence Thompson and his son Jack.  The group sat in the top row of bleachers, but Elizabeth relocated to a lower seat due to her fear of heights.  The men escaped the tent by sliding down the ropes behind the bleachers and dropping the boys down; Elizabeth never made it out alive.   
DelGiudice, Richard (6); Hartford
  • Attended the circus with his older sister Terry DelGiudice.  Richard had a bellyache so they walked out of the big top, turned around, and saw that it was on fire.  
DelGiudice, Theresa "Terry" (20); Hartford
  • Attended the circus with her little brother Richard.  Richard had a bellyache so they walked out of the big top, turned around, and saw that it was on fire.  
  • Later known as Theresa Kupisz.
DeLuca, Victoria Lucia "Vicki" (15); Hartford
  • Vicki survived the Hartford circus fire on her 15th birthday.  
  • Victoria Lucia (DeLuca) Tomaiuolo, loving and beloved wife, mother and grandmother, peacefully passed away at home in Wethersfield surrounded by her family on April 23, 2004. [link to obituary / back-up link]
DeMichele, Patrick (3)
  • Attended the circus with brothers Thomas DeMichele and Victor DeMichele, and aunt Ruth Morrell. All got out safely through a slit in the tent side that someone made with his pocket knife.
DeMichele, Thomas (6)
  • Attended the circus with brothers Patrick DeMichele and Victor DeMichele, and aunt Ruth Morrell. All got out safely through a slit in the tent side that someone made with his pocket knife.
DeMichele, Victor (7)
  • Attended the circus with brothers Thomas DeMichele and Patrick DeMichele, and aunt Ruth Morrell. All got out safely through a slit in the tent side that someone made with his pocket knife.
Denberry, Anna (about 40), Market St, New Britain
  • On the "Missing List", Friday, 7/7/44.THC 
Dennler, Bradford Avery (9); West Hartford
DePardo, Wayne (8)
  • Was in the circus tent with his uncle when it caught fire.  His uncle grabbed him off the bleachers and forced him towards the tent exit.  
Derby, Ethel (adult); 19 Boswell Road, West Hartford
  • Attended circus with son William F. Derby, Jr., daughter Carolyn Derby, and neighbors Loretta Dillus and her mother Maby. (Maby is probably Anna Albina Dillus who perished in the fire with her daughter Loretta.)
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/44, critical condition.THC 
  • Was awarded $32,500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Derby, William F. Jr. (child); 19 Boswell Road, West Hartford
  • Attended circus with mother Ethel Derby, sister Carolyn Derby, and neighbors Loretta Dillus and her mother Maby. (Maby is probably Anna Albina Dillus who perished in the fire with her daughter Loretta.)
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/44, critical condition.THC 
  • Was awarded $37,500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
DeSoto, Cecile (10); Hartford
  • Attended circus with her mother, both escaped without harm. 
DesRosiers, Mrs. Amelia M. (38); 1164 Broad St, Hartford
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/7/44.THC 
  • Was awarded $11,500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
DesRosiers, Arthur, Jr. (9); Broad St, Hartford
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/7/44.THC 
DesRosiers, Arthur (35); 1164 Broad St, Hartford
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/7/44.THC 
DesRosiers, Charlene (7); 1164 Broad St, Hartford
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/7/44.THC 
  • Was awarded $1,500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
DeWaine, Mrs. Mary; 21 York St, Hartford
  • Was awarded $2,500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
DiBella, Antoinette; 25 Shultas Place, Hartford
  • Attended the cricus with Katherine Horan, and sat in the center of the bleachers, little more than halfway up on the right side as they entered through the main entrance. Miss DiBella saw fire near the top of the sidewall, not far from the top, about three feet wide. She walked out through the main entrance before there was any disorder.WS 
DiBella, Mr & Mrs. Dominic; 99 Wyllys St, Hartford
  • Provided a witness statement, seated in bleachers on right side.  (7 children with them)
DiBella, Rose Nancy (5); Hartford
  • aka Mrs. Rose (DiBella) Pelson. 
  • Survivor of the circus fire, passed away peacefully September 23, 2015. (obituary)
  • Daughter of Dominic and Mary DiBella.
Dietz, Mrs. Mathilda A.; 104 Brookline Ave, Holyoke, MA
  • aka Mrs. Louis Dietz 
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/7/44.THC 
  • Was awarded $4,000 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Dietz, Louis W.; 104 Brookline Ave, Holyoke, MA
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/7/44.THC 
  • Was awarded $4,500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Dietz, Mathilda (20); 37 Jefferson St, Hartford
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/7/44.THC 
  • On the Injured List at Hartford Hospital, 7/10/44, satisfactory condition.THC 
  • Was awarded $3,500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Dietz, Mrs. Mathilda (56); 104 Brookline Ave, Holyoke, MA
  • On the Injured List at Hartford Hospital, 7/10/44.THC 
Dineen, Marion (14); 73 Martin St, Hartford
  • aka Marian Margaret Dineen 
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/7/44.THC 
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/44, critical condition. THC 
  • Went to circus with brother Billy, a cousin, and an uncle. When they noticed the fire, they waited a minute for it to be put out. When someone yelled "fire", Marion grabbed Billy and her uncle took her cousin. Marion lost hold of Billy as she was climbing over the animal chutes, and ran toward the door seconds before the tent collapsed. Billy was killed.THC 
  • Shared a room at Municpal Hospital with Shirley Snelgrove.THC 
  • Went to circus with brother Billy, and two Kelliher girls. Billy died, the others survived.CFM 
  • Was awarded $20,500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Dolby, Leon (11); Hartford (North End)
Domurat, Mrs. Josephine; 116 Shuttle Meadow Ave, New Britain
  • Was awarded $2,000 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Donohue, Mrs. Walter; 1478 Broad St, Hartford
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/7/44.THC 
Dow, Everett (adult)
  • Mr. Dow, a Hartford Courant reporter, was in the audience when the fire started.RDH 
Dowding, Frederick "Freddie" (12), Vernon
  • Attended the circus with his father, Kenneth Dowding, and they sat in section B with Marjorie Metcalf and her niece Virginia Metcalf.  During their escape, Marjorie would be knocked unconscious.  Kenneth tried to pull her out of the burning tent but he was knocked over and wasn't able to find her when he got back up.  
  • Freddie helped several children escape, including one paralyzed with fear that Freddie slapped to bring her to her senses.  
Dowding, Kenneth (43), Vernon
  • Attended the circus with his son, Frederick (12), and they sat in section B with Marjorie Metcalf and her niece Virginia Metcalf.  During their escape, Marjorie would be knocked unconscious.  Kenneth tried to pull her out of the burning tent but he was knocked over and wasn't able to find her when he got back up.  
Downing, Mrs. Fern N.; 36 Capitol Ave, Hartford
  • Attended the circus with a companion, and they sat in seats 2 and 3, section D, row 7 in the grandstand.  Fern suffered 2nd and 3rd degrees burns on the left forearm and elbow and burns to her scalp, and sustained multiple sprains, contusions and abrasions.  She also lost her purse with $100, and her hat, shoes and clothes were damaged beyond further use.  She was awarded $5,000 by the arbitration board for her injuries. 
Doyle, Carol (7); Hartford
Doyle, Clara (toddler); Hartford
  • Clara attended circus with her mother Hazel Doyle, her older sister Susan, and her aunt Jeannie Streight.  Hazel was pregnant and nervous about fires so they sat in the bleachers, which she felt were easier to escape from.  She noticed a glowing on the big top sidewall and led her group out the nearest escape.  They were among the first to leave.  
  • Susan Doyle's story can be read here: Personal Accounts Page 9.
Doyle, Hazel (adult); Hartford
  • Hazel attended circus with her daughters Susan and Clara and her sister-in-law Jeannie Streight.  Hazel was pregnant and nervous about fires so they sat in the bleachers, which she felt were easier to escape from.  She noticed a glowing on the big top sidewall and led her group out the nearest escape.  They were among the first to leave.  
  • Susan Doyle's story can be read here: Personal Accounts Page 9.
Doyle, Judith (10); East Road, Bristol
  • Attended circus with her brother Joe Thompson and her mother Mrs. Anna Doyle Thompson and her husband. Judith was slightly burned and was able to return home after treatment.
  • Judith was born in 1934, died in 2007. Married name was Judith Budney.
  • Was awarded $500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Doyle, Susan (2 1/2); Hartford
  • Susan attended circus with her mother Hazel Doyle, her younger sister Clara, and her aunt Jeannie Streight.  Hazel was pregnant and nervous about fires so they sat in the bleachers, which she felt were easier to escape from.  Hazel noticed a glowing on the big top sidewall and led her group out the nearest escape.  They were among the first to leave.  
  • Susan Doyle's story can be read here: Personal Accounts Page 9.
Dressler, Cecil (adult); South Windsor
  • Attended the circus with his wife and two daughters and a friend. All escaped without injury. 
Dressler, LeAnn (8); South Windsor
  • Attended the circus with her mother and father Mabel and Cecil Dressler, her sister Marie Dressler, and her friend Tillie Oliver.  All escaped without injury.  Read LeAnn's story on Personal Accounts Page 8.
Dressler, Mabel (adult); South Windsor
  • Attended the circus with her husband and two daughters and a friend. All escaped without injury. 
Dressler, Marie (5); South Windsor
  • Attended the circus with her mother, father, sister and a friend.  All escaped without injury.  
Duff, Wayne "Duffy" (10)
  • Attended the circus with his mother Dorothea, and sat in Section E, right by a railing.  When they saw the fire, they went over the railing and went out an exit that was partially blocked by an animal runway.  Mr. Duff's story was printed in the local Portland, Connecticut newspaper in 2008 - read it here.  
Picture
Mrs Rose Dunn, a registered nurse, and her two children, Mrs. Betsy Kerensky and Herbert Dunn, are shown in Hartford, Conn where they saw America’s worst circus fire 20 years ago. Herbert, then 5, and Betsy then 3, were with their mother at matinee performance of RBBB circus on July 6, 1944 when a fire broke out under the big tent. The disaster left 168 persons dead and more than 500 injured. Building in background is schoolhouse now on the site of the tragedy. (AP Wirephoto)(1964)
​Dunn, Betsy (3)
Dunn, Herbert (5)
Dunn, Mrs. Rose (adult); Hartford
  • Siblings Betsy and Herbert attended the circus with their mother Rose Dunn, and Rose's friend and her daughter Elinor Lynn. Everyone in the group survived, some with scratches and burns.
  • ​Herbert L. Dunn died peacefully at his home on April 13, 2020. (obituary / back-up link)
Dunn, Phyllis (9); 46 Enfield St, Hartford
  • Survived the circus fire, suffered burns on her arm, shoulder and back with permanent scars.  Phyllis was awarded $1,500 for her injuries. 
Dunnell, Annie Wilson (73)
  • Went to the circus with her granddaughter, Barbara D. Clough. Both survived.CFM
Dustin, Charles (adult), Hartford
Dustin, Pauline (Sirianni) (adult), Hartford
Dustin, Charlotte (3), Hartford
  • Charles Dustin, his wife Pauline, and their daughter Charlotte attended the circus and sat high in the bleachers.  They jumped from the bleachers and exited safely.  Read more about their experience here: Personal Accounts - Page 8. 
Dworak, George J.
  • Hartford Police Department lieutenant, rescued 22 victims of the fire and loaded them into a bus that he commandeered at the scene.THC 

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L -M - N - O
P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

Sources:

TWT: The White Tops magazine
WCF: Women and Children First by Donald H. Roy
CFR: Circus Fire Reminiscences (Manchester Public Library)
MEH: Manchester Evening Herald
TCF: The Circus Fire by Stewart O'Nan
UPI: United Press International
SDN: Springfield Daily News
JOWBR: JewishGen Online Worldwide Burial Registry
THC: The Hartford Courant