Donald George Trevethan passed away peacefully at his home in Towamencin Township on Monday, November 4. He was 86.

Donald, also known as Don or D.G., was born in Philadelphia to parents John and Lydia Trevethan. He attended Northeast High School, Class of 1950, where he was a member of the track team. Donald had an incredible mind, skipping two grades and graduating from high school at only 16 years old.

Following his high school commencement, Donald studied at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a Bachelor’s in Chemistry in 1960. He worked full time at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital while going to night school. When he wasn’t studying or working, he enjoyed football and rowing.

Donald also served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958 as a nuclear weapons specialist, fusing hydrogen bombs.

He worked for several companies, most notably as a chemist at Teleflex in North Wales where he helped develop SermeTel W, a protective coating for airplanes as a corrosion preventative. He also completed work for NASA and was involved with the Viking 1 space probe sent to Mars.

Over the years, Donald attended Temple University, Villanova University and Ursinus College, where he received a teaching certification to teach math and science at Archbishop Wood High School, Lower Merion School District, and New Life Youth and Family Services. He was a highly respected educator.

Donald was married to his loving wife, Jacquelyn (Kendrick) Trevethan, for 65 years. He is predeceased by his sister Emma Tremblay and survived by his brother William Trevethan, his wife and their 7 children (John [Ayna Trevethan], Stephen [Andrea Trevethan], Donna, Michael [Terry Trevethan], Carolyn [Patrick Reckner], Patricia [Michael Wilson], Ronald) 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Viewing and Funeral arrangements have been made for Tuesday, November 12 at Corpus Christi Parish, 900 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, PA 19446. Friends and loved ones are welcome to attend Donald’s Viewing from 10-11:15 a.m. followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:30. Interment St. John Neumann Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Foundation.