Robert Bain Donaldson Jr.

1937 - 2024

Robert Bain Donaldson, Jr.

August 7, 1937 - March 18, 2024

State College, Pennsylvania - Robert Bain Donaldson Jr., age 86 of Boalsburg passed away peacefully on March 18, 2024. Born on August 7, 1937 in Bellefonte, PA, he was the son of the late Robert Donaldson, Sr. and Lillian Donaldson. On June 11, 1960 he married the love of his life, the late Janet R. Donaldson and celebrated 63 wonderful years together. He touched the lives of the many people that knew him. His family is blessed with many fond memories.

Robert grew up in College Heights, State College and graduated from State High in 1955, lettering in soccer. He pursued his college education at Penn State University, majoring in Landscape Architecture. This is where he met his wife Janet. He later earned the Degree of Master of Regional Planning. Robert then served a short time in the Air National Guard serving his country overseas in Germany 1961- 1962, during the Berlin Wall Crisis.

In 1969 Bob was hired as the Executive Director of the Centre County Planning Commission, where he served the county for 37 years. Some of his accomplishments include: establishing the County's Planning Regions, working on the formation of the Centre County Solid Waste Authority, administering the Spongy (Gypsy) Moth Program, forming the Centre County Water Authority, working to preserve the County's Historical Resources, guiding development of the Spring Creek Stormwater Management Plan, and advocating for the Spring Creek Watershed.

He volunteered for many non-profit organizations, including Clearwater Conservancy, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Spring Creek Watershed, Trout Unlimited, PA Historical Society, and White Deer Rod and Gun Club. He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. He spent numerous hours devoting himself to projects for these organizations which he loved.

Bob enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and his beloved cocker spaniel companions. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, photography, and gardening. He was able to share his love for fishing with his three grandchildren. He and Janet loved to travel to Colorado and Wyoming to visit his sister. He also enjoyed trips to Canada in the summer to fish and watching Penn State football.

Robert is survived by his two daughters, Deborah Donaldson Briscoe and her husband Kevin of Boalsburg and Susan Weaver Jackson and her husband Dave of Bellefonte. Three grandchildren, Michael Rudy (Kacie), Jena Weaver-Camacho (Edward), Christopher Weaver (Sarah), three great grandchildren, Olivia and Kinsley Camacho, Liam Rudy and a great granddaughter on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Weaver (Barry) of Cheyenne Wyoming and many nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at the Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA. A private family burial will be at a later time. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's memory can be made to Clearwater Conservancy. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com.