Donald M. Haddock ’63

Don, a lifelong resident of Alexandria, Va., and a pillar of the city’s legal community, died at his home Dec. 23, 2024, surrounded by family.

He came to us from Episcopal High School in Alexandria. He majored in English, wrote his thesis on Mark Twain, and belonged to Quadrangle. He was a member of the Pre-Law Society, an officer in Orange Key, and a cadet captain in ROTC.

Don received his law degree from the University of Virginia and master of laws from George Washington University. After graduation from law school, he served in the Army as a captain in the Army Materiel Command.

He started his career as a sole practitioner and part-time assistant Commonwealth attorney. In 1984, he became a judge on the Alexandria Circuit Court, where he served for 27 years, the last 14 as chief judge. After retirement, he continued to sit frequently as a substitute judge. He also continued to produce hay and beef cattle on his 300-acre farm just outside of Alexandria.

For our 50th-reunion yearbook, Don offered this reflection: “My life has really been idyllic. I married my childhood sweetheart from church. We reared two fine sons, both lawyers, one now a corporate counsel, the other also a Virginia judge … . We have spent much of our time on our farm with the children and grandchildren learning ways not available in town ... . Over the years I have served on numerous boards, committees, and commissions, many charitable, as I am certain most of our classmates have — Princeton in the nation’s service, you know. All in all, though our lives are quiet, they are most enjoyable.”

Don is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce; sons David II ’91, and Donald Jr.; and three grandchildren.