Gordon Duthie Donald Jr. ’53

“Duff,” whose enthusiasm as a pilot, skier, and sailor was unselfishly shared with his beloved wife, Joan, and family, died at his home in Little Silver, N.J., Oct. 24, 2009. He was 78.

Born in Orange, N.J., the son of Gordon D. Donald ’23, he attended Rumson (N.J.) Country Day School and graduated from Choate, where he roomed with Fred Crispin. At Princeton, he roomed with Crispin, Tom Inslee, and Dan Scally, and the three could be found at mealtime at Cloister Inn.  

Duff was specializing in mechanical engineering when he joined the Air Force after junior year. While a fighter pilot, he was stationed in Chaumont, France, during the Berlin crisis. After his discharge, he owned and operated Shore Air Services, a private air-charter service; established and owned Ski Haus, a retail ski shop; and, as an ardent and competitive sailor, helped found Patten Point Yacht Club.  

He is survived by Joan; sons Gordon D. III and William A.; a sister, Elizabeth Kerekesh; and grandchildren Kristin, Kelly, Christopher, Matthew, and Kaitlyn. Memorial donations may be made to Riverview Joint and Spine Foundation, One Riverview Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701. We wish Duff had remained in contact with the class and offer our shared sorrow at his passing.