Donald C. Pote ’55

Don was born Feb. 23,1933, and died April 5, 2025, all in New Jersey, where he spent most of his life.

At Hackensack High School, from which he graduated, he was a class leader. At Princeton, he majored in mechanical engineering, was editor of The Princeton Engineer, and joined Dial Lodge, where he was active in many IAA sports. He roomed with John Hastings and Phil Morrison. After Princeton, he was an officer in the Air Force. Because of a dust allergy he was not allowed to go on with flight training but put his engineering skills to work overseeing aircraft maintenance.

His business career was with AT&T, Western Electric, and Bell Communications Research. His nonbusiness career was what really filled his life. When his and wife Joan’s 7-year-old son, Jeffrey, was severely injured in an auto/bike accident and became disabled, they became involved in care for the handicapped. Don devised several assistive devices to help him at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, N.J. He also volunteered at the Union County Society for Handicapped Children and Adults. Don was active in many volunteer activities devoted to the environment, wildlife management, emergency response, roads, and Watchung’s library.

His hands-on abilities led him to garden, build a lawnmower tractor, and construct and install solar panels before they were common. He helped students with high school science experiments related to growing vegetables.

Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan; sons Jeffrey and Stephen ’84; and daughter, Debbie.