Deceased October 20, 2018

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In Memory

Donald was larger than life. A real character, leader, force of nature and storyteller with an arsenal of adventures. If you listened closely, you could hear adversity, triumph and silver linings topped with exaggeration and bravado. His grit and determination were inspiring. For more than 28 years he battled different lymphomas and brain tumors, but the diseases never interfered with living his life. His family and friends were proud of his determination against the odds.

Donald was a Renaissance man: scholar, athlete, debater, poet, practical joker, patron of the arts, philosopher, historian and family man. He set the bar high with his victories, attitude, generosity and sportsmanship.

At Amherst, Donald developed lifelong friendships. He was the Class Poet and a member of Beta House. He played varsity squash and tennis, and he was a member of the debate and chess teams. He was a devoted alumnus.

After graduating cum laude, he received a J.D. from Harvard Law. He was a partner at Dilworth, Paxon, Kalish & Kauffman and was known as an authority on wills, trusts and estate law, on which he widely published and lectured. Later, he changed careers and founded the Donesco Company, specializing in real estate development, investment, management and consulting.

Active in many sports, sailing was his passion. He represented the United States in many world and Olympic class championships and was a member of the U.S. Sailing Team. In 1972, Donald proudly represented our country in the Munich Olympics by winning a bronze medal in the Dragon class.

Donald is survived by his wife, Trina Cohan; his children, Rachel Cohan Albert ’84, Benjamin Cohan and Susannah Cohan McQuillan ’89; his sons-in-law, Jonathan Albert ’83 and Joe McQuillan; seven grandchildren, among them Sarah Albert ’13 and Jake Albert ’15; and a handful of dear friends. He will be deeply missed.

Rachel Cohan Albert ’84
D. Jeffery Hartzell ’51