Donald Lynch, community activist

Donald Lynch, 90, of Gloucester, Va., formerly of Lewes, passed away Jan. 1, 2011.  He was born July 2, 1920, in Hazleton, Pa.., to John and Kathryn Lynch of Lewes and Philadelphia, Pa. respectively. He was the beloved husband of Doris “Hank” Benedict Lynch for 67 wonderful years.

He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He joined General Electric in 1942, was made a corporate vice president in 1971, and retired in 1981. Most of his career was in major appliances where at various times he ran engineering, research with domestic and overseas businesses, with assignments in Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana, New Jersey and Kentucky.

He had a passion for community affairs. In Louisville, he co-chaired a chamber of commerce study that resulted in major changes to the school system and co-chaired a committee to establish the city transit system (TARC). After moving to Kilmarnock, he headed the study group and fund drive that expanded the Lancaster Community Library, and chaired the fund drive for the free health clinic and the local Habitat for Humanity.

He also was active in the Kilmarnock United Methodist Church. He was a former board member of the Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club, loved golfing, bay and ocean cruising, gardening, physical activity and spending time with his many good friends and neighbors.

He will be missed by his daughter Joanna Lynch and partner, Mark Youdall; a son Jeffrey; a daughter Tracy and spouse Richard Krause; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 14, at Lewes Presbyterian Cemetery, 133 Kings Hwy. Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, DE or any local charity of choice.