On August 15, 2013 Donald W. Griswold, Jr. passed away in Baltimore, MD.He leaves behind him his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Ruth (Wilson) Griswold.One of seven children, Don is predeceased by his parents, Donald W. and Lyla Mae (Treadwell) Griswold, and by his sisters Minnie and Janet, and brother, Irving.Survivors include his sister Susan Reis (Albert),and brothers David and John (Becky), as well as many nieces and nephews.
Don was born on June 2, 1918 in New Jersey, but spent most of his early years living in Wethersfield, CT.His first job away from home came when he was employed by the DuPont Company in Wilmington, DE.In 1941 his work there was interrupted when he joined the Army to serve in World War II.Don was deployed during those years not only to the Pacific Theater, but to the European Theater as well.He rose to the rank of sergeant and was a member of the artillery unit.
In 1943 Don married Ruth Wilson.After the war they settled into life in New Castle, DE, and Don resumed his employment at DuPont as a technician working mostly in research and development.He pursued many outside interests during those years, including sailing, skiing, gardening, and reading.Don was also active in scouting for many years, serving as an Explorer Scout leader.
During the 1960s Don developed an interest in art which would bring him pleasure and comfort for the rest of his life.For a number of years, he studied under the tutelage of Edward Loper, a noted American painter from Wilmington.Mr. Loper encouraged Don to paint with bright colors and experiment with brushwork reminiscent of the Impressionist Period.He also encouraged Don to take classes at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia.Those years were perhaps some of Don's happiest, as is witnessed in the many works of art he produced.His work was not limited to painting; he also enjoyed drawing, sculpture and ceramics.
After their retirement from DuPont in 1981, Don and Ruth moved to Ocean Pines, MD.There, Don worked for a time on golf course landscaping, but primarily continued to pursue his interests in gardening, art and volunteer work.An active member of the Buckingham Presbyterian Church in Berlin, Don particularly enjoyed singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school classes.At Ocean Pines he was a member of the Beautification Committee, Garden Club, and the Art Club.He helped establish a weekly art class at The Parke recreation center.An often present figure in the art room, Don offered support and friendly 'critiques' to other artists who continue to speak glowingly of their interactions with him during that period of his life.In 2007 a Parke Painters Founder plaque was dedicated to honor his contributions there.
Expanding his horizons beyond Ocean Pines, Don became a member of the Ocean City Art League.He also was invited to take art courses with Ruth atthe University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Considered 'senior students,' they both earned two years of college credit while doing so.
Genealogy and family history were also outlets for Don's energy and inquisitive mind.He was an active member and former president of the Griswold Family Association; the annual meetings were events Don looked forward to and often attended as recently as last summer.He was also a member of The Society of Colonial Wars of New Jersey.
In 2008 Don and Ruth moved to the Charlestown Retirement Community in Catonsville, MD.Here Don met many new friends and quickly became a "fixture" in the halls and dining rooms with a ready smile, kind word or shared humor.It was an opportunity for him to spend time with his cousin, Harper Griswold, who shared his interests in nature, country and family.Together they worked to clear invasive species from trails on the grounds.They were also active as members of the VFW in honoring veterans. Don also became involved in organizing and chairing the Fireside Art Committee, which held periodic exhibitions of residents' work.One of his last projects was to paint large wall murals in Renaissance Gardens, a care unit for patients with dementia.Don helped to create colorful floor to ceiling paintings to camouflage elevators, creating a more cheerful and safer environment for the residents there.