Donald E. 'Don' Armstrong

WILLIAMSPORT - Donald E. “Don” Armstrong, 92, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Mary E. (McQuillen) Armstrong, with whom he had celebrated 67 years of marriage in June. Don was born on December 21, 1922 in Johnsonburg, PA, and was the son of the late Percy E. and Anna L. (Gergenske) Armstrong. He was a 1940 graduate of Johnsonburg High School and a 1948 graduate of Dickinson Junior College (now Lycoming College). In 1950, he graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in mechanical engineering. Don was a proud veteran of the US Army and served three years in WWII, spending the last 15 months in the European Theater with the 42nd Rainbow Div, 222 Regimental Hdq. Infantry RR. This division helped liberate the prisoners at Dachau Concentration Camp and assisted in the setup of the military government in Vienna, Austria. Don was awarded the Silver Star in recognition of his gallantry in action for saving the life of a fellow soldier. He worked for GTE Sylvania for 34 years, directing a team of research engineers who developed several camera flashbulb lighting products. His contributions to scientific and engineering progress were recognized by the granting of 27 patents, as well as the Leslie H. Warner Technical Achievement Award in recognition of creative technical achievement and innovation. He retired in 1984. Don was a former member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and a current member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Muncy. He enjoyed woodworking and home improvement. With unending curiosity for all things mechanical, he loved “tinkering” in his workshop and devising resourceful solutions. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and was happiest spending quiet time with his family. Don is survived by his wife; one son: Donald A. Armstrong of Mountaintop; two daughters and one son-in-law: Mary Lou and Daniel Hartsock of Williamsport and Cynthia K. Armstrong-Goodrich of Daytona Beach, FL; three grandchildren: Mary Alice Hartsock and husband Nathan Bordy of Drexel Hill, Matthew J. Hartsock of Baltimore, MD, and Mary Clare Goodrich of Ormond Beach, FL; one sister and brother-in-law: Ruth and John Burkholder of Williamsport; and one sister-in-law: Judy E. Johnson of Danville, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Harold “Ham” Armstrong and George “Skip” Johnson; and one son-in-law: Mark R. Goodrich. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Pastor’s Fund, 201 S. Main St., Muncy, PA 17756 or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Arrangements are being handled by the Allen & Redmond Funeral Home, 331 Elmira St., Williamsport.