J. Donald Isaacs, state senator, farmer

J. Donald Isaacs, 91, former president pro tempore of the Delaware Senate, passed away Friday, April 28, 2023, from Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born April 8, 1932, in Milton, the son of Earl and Sarah Isaacs, and was raised there. He moved to Townsend with his wife and two children in 1957 to start his farming business. He started out growing peas, tomatoes and asparagus. As his farm grew to over 500 acres, he began growing corn and soybeans.

He received awards for Outstanding Young Farmer in Delaware and as the National Top Young Farmer.

He served as a Delaware state senator from 1962 through 1976, and he sponsored and co-sponsored numerous bills for the state and his district, such as the picture on the state driver’s license, and the first senior citizen center and living quarters in Middletown. Donald gave his life serving the citizens of the state of Delaware, making it a better place to live and work.

After serving in the Senate, he was a board member for the Delaware Solid Waste Authority and the Henlopen Condominiums in Rehoboth Beach. He was a member of the Freemasons of Delaware.

Don is preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa E. Pierce; one brother, Earl Isaacs; and a sister, Carol Brassard.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Clydia D. Isaacs; his son, Nicholas W. Isaacs (Elaine); and daughter, Lisa D. Isaacs. He has five grandchildren, Travis Isaacs (Shayna), Olivia Weaver (Clay), Sarah Meyer (John), Clydia Torres (Tony) and Kristen Conques (Nick). He also has eight great-grandchildren. He has one surviving sibling out of three, Mary Ann Hearne.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and pleasure boating. He played golf and bocce ball. He loved his family and the MOT community.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 8, with viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. at Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home in Middletown. Interment will be private in Old Drawyers Cemetery.

Donations to a charity of choice in lieu of flowers are welcome in our father’s name.

For online condolences, visit Daniels-Hutchison.com.