Donald Gene Wolpert

1934 - 2025

Donald Gene Wolpert, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday December 19, 2025.  Don was born in Decatur, Indiana to Dessie and Lawrence Wolpert on March 7, 1934.

After graduating high school in Wabash, IN, Don studied Electrical Engineering at Purdue University. Shortly before graduation he decided that duty called and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1957 as a pilot.  He married the love of his life, Elfriede Rathgeber Wolpert, in 1961 and welcomed a daughter, Karen, in 1962. As a military transport pilot he flew missions across the globe and had many stories to tell. In 1971 he hung up his wings when he was selected to attend the Canadian Forces Staff College in Toronto Canada. The family resided in Canada for 4 years, then moved on to Ankara,Turkey and Germany.

Lt. Col. Donald G. Wolpert retired from Langley AFB in 1986 after almost 30 years of honorable service. Never one to rest on his laurels, Don returned to school, earning a B.A. from Saint Leo College and then an MBA from Golden Gate University.  He served as an Adjunct Professor at Saint Leo College teaching business administration.  His classes were very popular as he was known for his knowledge, use of personal experience and sense of humor.

Don and Elfriede built their dream home on the banks of the NW Branch of the Severn in 1994. They spent many years enjoying the peace, the fantastic view, and fishing, kayaking and birdwatching.

Don is survived by his daughter Karen Bryant of Little Rock, AR; grandchildren Devin Bryant and Rhiana Bryant of Omaha, NE; great grandchildren Jaxon (11), Holland (10), Rory (9) and Maren (6); and his brother Richard Wolpert of Houston, TX and sister Ruth Marshall of Lexington, KY.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Thomas Sturgeon, and his beloved wife Elfriede.

Don’s kindness, generosity and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten. He never met a stranger and his warmth and sense of humor ensured he had many devoted friends around the world. He enjoyed good food, good wine and good company. His sharp wit kept everyone on their toes. Words cannot begin to express the depth of our loss.

A memorial service will take place from 1-3 pm Saturday January 3, 2026 at Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, VA