Donald James King's Obituary
Donald James King,, born May 18, 1936, in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Stanley and Elizabeth King, died May 17, 2017, a day before his 81st birthday in Fort Myers a short time after being diagnosed with an aggressive rare form of multiple myeloma. He was raised in Penn Hills and graduated from Penn High School in 1954 and Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA in 1958 with a BS degree and a major in accounting. He spent 2 years in the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant, stationed the last year in Thule, Greenland. When he returned to the United States in April, 1960, he married a family friend and college sweetheart, Jane Vetter. After his honorary discharge from the military he worked for Price Waterhouse in the Philadelphia area before receiving his CPA after which he was hired by Rohm and Haas Chemical Company. After several months he was transferred to a subsidiary Myerstown, PA company to set up their cost accounting system and then became the plant manager. Thru acquisitions and mergers in the animal health industry he was transferred to IL and NE in plant manager positions and to the NYC Pfizer headquarters, where he retired to winter in Cape Coral, FL and summer in the mountains of Frisco, CO. His enjoyable activities included bicycling, boating, and traveling. Feeling the importance of volunteer work, he became Treasurer with both his Cape Harbour Home Owners’ Association and Frisco Condo Association as well as serving on various committees and becoming a Board member of the Southwest Florida Symphony, where he also served as Treasurer. Over the years the close personal relationships and bonds formed with his fraternity brothers, former neighbors and business associates endured and he enjoyed hosting and spending time with friends and family. His wife of 57 years, children, and grandchildren were the most constant beneficiaries of his generous heart which he also shared with others he met. His wisdom, easy-going manner, sense of humor, and willingness to lend a helping hand of this gentle giant leave us with a model of living in the interest of others rather than ourselves. He was respected and admired by everyone with whom he met and he was an inspiration to us all. He is survived by his beloved wife Jane, loving children and grandchildren, Diana (Alan), John and Elizabeth Anick, Steven (Sherry), Sarah, and Miles King. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral, FL, 33904 or the Southwest Florida Symphony, Suite 103, 8290 College Parkway, Fort Myers, FL, 33919.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?