Donald Kirtland Richards ’39

Don died June 18, 2017, at the age of 100 years and five months. He was raised in Lawrenceville, N.J., where his father was minister of a Presbyterian church.

He majored in economics and wrote his thesis on “Industrial Relations Problems in the Dupont Co.”

During World War II, he served with Gen. Patton’s Third Army, earning the Bronze Star. He retired from the Reserves in 1953 with the rank of major. Don worked for only two organizations throughout his long life: Merck & Co. (in sales and marketing) and Skidmore College (in fundraising).

In the spring of 1972, Don and his family relocated from New Jersey to Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where Skidmore was completing the move of its campus from downtown to its current suburban location. Don supported the growth of the college for 15 years, particularly in the areas of music and science.

As a volunteer, Don used his fundraising skills for several local organizations. The Pillar Society of Saratoga Springs honored him for this work.

Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jean; children Donald Jr. and Susan McKay ’75; four grandchildren, including Elizabeth McKay ’02; and three great-grandchildren. He is our first classmate to die as a centenarian.