Donald P. Pulcipher ’55

Don excelled academically at Princeton, was manager of baseball, worked on the yearbook staff, and sang in the chapel choir. After graduation, Don attended the Institute of Political Studies in Paris and served two years in U.S. Army intelligence. His mastery of French and Russian folded right into an impeccable 35-year career with the National Security Agency. His family remembers Don for these traits, which were noted at the celebration of his life: thoughtfulness, unflinching honesty, diligence, sense of humor, conscientiousness, orderliness, and abiding affection for his wife of 38 years, Betsy.

Don brought intellect of the first order to his profession. Thomas Jefferson would have called it “an uncommon erudition” and John Milton would have noted “high seriousness” in Don’s feeling that things matter — devotion to Betsy, family, and friends, and a determination to always put forth his best effort.  

The finest display of Don’s character came in his final journey. He exhibited patience and gentleness and was filled with optimism and hope to make things easier for those around him.

The class extends to Betsy; Don’s brother, Bob; and his family and friends, our great thanks for Don’s magnificent life.