Donald S. Bright ’63

Don died Feb. 16, 2025. He lived in Trent Woods, N.C., served patients for more than 55 years, and continued to volunteer until his death at a free local clinic for those without health insurance.

Don had endless energy. He was a fisherman, hiker, and mountain biker and continued until late in life to work out daily at the local Gold’s Gym. For our 60th-reunion yearbook, he posted photos of himself kitesurfing in the Atlantic.

Don came to Princeton from Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Md. He majored in politics, played 150-pound football, joined Cannon Club, was coordinator of the dining hall, and was a member of the flying and judo clubs. His senior-year roommates were Paul Lahti, Boa Maguire, Terry Conroy, and Mac Walker.

Don earned a medical degree from the University of Maryland and completed a general surgery residency at Duke University Medical Center. In 1969, he joined the Air Force, where he received a pilot’s license and was stationed in Vietnam, gaining experience in orthopedic and general surgery.

Don’s passion for orthopedics led him back to Duke. He contributed to numerous research projects on tendon grafts, nerve replantation, and rehabilitation. In 1975, he joined the faculty as assistant professor of orthopedic surgery. He also co-directed Duke’s orthopedic replantation team, treating patients with traumatic amputations of fingers and hands.

In 1980, Don transitioned to private practice in New Bern, N.C., where his expertise in hand surgery and other orthopedic treatments made him a trusted figure in the orthopedic community.

Don is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughter Angela Hill; sons William Wiseman and Donald II; and six grandchildren. A daughter, Cheryl, predeceased him.