Don died Nov. 21, 2021, peacefully at his home in Chicago following a long illness.

Born in New York City, Don prepped at Gilman School in Baltimore. He was stationed with the Navy at Bainbridge, Md.; Gulfport, Miss.; and Great Lakes, Ill., from January 1945 to August 1946. At Princeton, he earned a degree in economics, served as captain of the golf team, and was a member of Quadrangle Club.

After graduation Don joined Sears, Roebuck and Co. and worked in public relations and public affairs there until his retirement 38 years later. He was elected vice president of public affairs and served on the board and executive committee of the Sears Roebuck Foundation. He also served on the communications advisory committee to the White House during the Carter administration and, during retirement, was active in the Executive Service Corps of Chicago, counseling nonprofit organizations pro bono.

A dedicated alum, Don chaired the Midwest Conference’s PR committee in the early 1950s, served on the Princeton Club of Chicago board for nine years, and assisted with the class’s Annual Giving campaign for many years. In our 50th-reunion yearbook, Don said: “In addition to a superb education, the Princeton experience helped establish the setting of high standards. It also provided many friendships of great people over the years.”

Don was predeceased by his wife, Jo Hopkins Deutsch. He is survived by daughter Joan Deutsch and son Donald Jr. The Class of 1948 sends its sympathies in memory of our devoted classmate.

Undergraduate Class of 1948