Don died October 25, 2020, in Tucson, Arizona. He was born Jan. 21, 1930, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Don attended grade school and high school in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. He was a Korean War veteran and served with the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, making two combat jumps during this time. After completing six years of military service, he was honorably discharged in March of 1953.

Don moved to Missoula in December of 1953 and attended the University of Montana. He earned a bachelor's degree in biological sciences and a master's degree in education. Don taught one year in Hamilton High School and was a teacher and administrator at Hellgate Elementary School over a span of 31 years.
Don jumped at Missoula 1955-61, 63,64,and 66-68.