Donald E. Vandenburgh, age 97 of Concord, NH died peacefully on Sunday, December 27th at his daughter’s home in Columbus, OH. Don was a loving husband, a dedicated father and a proud grandfather and great grandfather.

A member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Concord, NH, Don was also a skilled mechanical engineer, a WWII veteran, and a passionate outdoorsman, who loved skiing, tennis and hiking until the age of 89! One of Don’s last great pleasures was walking in the woods with his dog Charlie.

A person of great integrity, inspiring dedication and remarkable love and empathy, Don helped so many others in his quiet and unselfish way.

Born and raised in Mechanicville/Troy, NY, Don was a creator, builder and skillful engineer his entire life. He first started building small gas-powered cars as a young boy. As a young man, Don attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1941 and interrupted his college years to enlist in the Army during WWII. He served on active duty for 2 years, kept army vehicles running during the war and was involved in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium.

Following his military service, he graduated from RPI with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and began a career in the early stages of the nuclear power industry. At age 43, he served as a Project Engineer and superintendent in building one the world’s largest nuclear power generating stations located in Connecticut. After 28 years in a remarkable career Don retired in 1986 as Executive Vice President of Yankee Atomic Electric Co.

Don had two beautiful 30-year marriages. He and his high school sweetheart, Ann Strattner married in 1947 and raised six children. After Ann’s death in 1982, Don was blessed to meet Beverly Russell and they were married in 1984 and formed a beautiful blended family with 6 Vandenburgh and 4 Russell children.

Before Beverly’s passing in 2013, together they enjoyed their time with friends and activities at Havenwood-Heritage Heights Retirement Community in Concord, NH. Don and Beverly’s active lifestyle included planning trips in their motor home, visiting every state in the USA (except Hawaii) and Don became an accomplished woodworker fabricating beautiful finished pieces that were sold at shops throughout New England.

Don is survived by his children, Donald Jr. (Eileen) Vandenburgh, Douglas (Kadie)Vandenburgh, Jayne Vandenburgh (Andy Patterson), JoAnn (Raymond) Vautour, Richard (Ann) Vandenburgh, Joseph (Karen) Vandenburgh, and his step children, Andy (Julie) Russell, Jon (Violisa) Russell, Elisa (John) Pollard, and Kathy (Matson) Rodgers, along with 20 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 13 nieces and nephews.

Don, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa will always be remembered for his quiet yet strong will, his thoughtfulness, his humble and sweet hospitality and beautiful blue eyes. He was loved by so many! He has been and always will be his family’s finest role model and their collective hero.

A celebration of Life will be planned in New Hampshire in the Spring of 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor directly to:

– SHARE of Milford, NH and/or Havenwood Resident’s Fund @ Havenwood-Heritage Heights Retirement Community, Concord NH.

To view his online tribute, send a message of condolence, or for more information please visit www.csnh.com.