Obituary of Donald H. Gordon

Donald H. Gordon, of Schenectady, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2017 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center, at the age of 91. He and his loving wife Norma (Pelkey) were one month shy of their 66th wedding anniversary. Don is survived by Norma, and his nephews Richard and Andrew Kraemer of Hayes and LaCross, KS, as well as numerous nieces, grand-nieces, and great-grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Harold and Blanche (Haas) Gordon; his sister, Helen June (Gordon) Kraemer; and nephew, Robert Kraemer. A native of Holton, Kansas, Don served in the Army Air Corps in World War II and the US Air Force in the Korean War as a radar office, rising to the rank of First Lieutenant. Don graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in electrical engineering in 1950, and went to work at General Electric. There, he had a successful 36-year career as a sales manager in the turbine division, winning many sales awards including the Ralph Cordiner Award. After retiring from GE in 1986, Don dedicated his time to a number of organizations. He was a member of the GE Elfun Society, and Senior Elfun of the Year in 1999. He was Chairman of the Board at the GE Hall of History in 1993 and 1994. In addition, Don volunteered at the Schenectady Museum, Habitat for Humanity, and Talking Books for the Blind. Don was also a former member of the Edison Club, the Mohawk Golf Club, and the Mohawk Club. Don also traveled the world with his beloved Norma, spending many winters in Maui.He was also an avid woodworker, and made many fine pieces of furniture for their home. Don was a gentleman, admired by all who knew him, and adored by his family. We have lost a great man. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 8th at 10:00am at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union Street, Schenectady, NY . Family and friends are invited to gather to share memories of Don, followed by interment at Saratoga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Don's family requests that donations be made in memory of Donald Gordon to the Foundation for Ellis Medicine, 1101 Nott Street, Schenectady, NY 12308 or City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton Street, Schenectady, NY 12305.