Donald M. Seltzer

Donald M. Seltzer
Charlotte
Donald Miller Seltzer of Charlotte, passed away on March 13, 2011, at Carolinas Medical Center in Pineville. His passing comes after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Don was 87 years old.
He was born on March 5, 1924, in Orwigsburg, PA. He was the son of Edward Nathan and Eunice Miller Seltzer. After the sudden death of his father in1932, Don's family moved from Orwigsburg to Concord, NC. He graduated from Concord High School in 1942. After completing his first year at NC State University in 1942, he enlisted in the US Army. As part of the 78th Infantry Division, he was called to duty in Germany to support the US Army's efforts at the Battle of the Bulge. Don suffered from extensive exposure to the cold (trench foot) and an exploding grenade while operating as a light machine gunner. Don was sent to recover in Paris and then transferred to England and eventually back to the US (Colorado Springs). The injuries proved to be long term and he was discharged from the Army in 1945 and received the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal for his brave service to his country. He returned to NC State University and earned his BS in Textiles in 1948. In 1948, Don enrolled in the Duke University Law School. In 1949, he transferred to George Washington University Law School and received his law degree in 1954. During his time in law school, Don worked as a patent examiner for the US Patent Office. It was also at this time that Don met his loving bride of over 60 years, Trudy. Trudy was working for the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC. They married in 1950 and moved to Charlotte in 1955 with their two sons, Donnie and Eddie, after Don was hired by the patent firm Eaton & Bell, which over time evolved into Bell, Seltzer, Park & Gibson, where he retired as a senior partner in 1995. Don was a member in good standing with the American Bar Association, North Carolina Bar Association, Mecklenburg County Bar Association, United States Patent Association and the North Carolina Patent Association.
Don was an active member of the Providence United Methodist Church for over 56 years and gave countless hours as a scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 138, and provided tireless service to the community with the Queen City Optimist Club. He was also very active with memberships in NC State University's Wolfpack Club, Charlotte City Club, Quail Hollow Country Club, and Sea Pines Plantation Club.
Among those who will miss Don most are his five children: Donald Miller, Jr. and his wife Janie of Carlsbad, CA; Edward DeCastro and Gregory Mathias both of Charlotte, NC; Lawrence Miller of Macedon, NY; and Dolores Ann (Sissy) Smith and her husband William of Raleigh, NC; Don's older brother Edward of Concord, NC; Don's niece Marsha Garnett of Charlotte, NC; Don's nephew Nathan Seltzer and his wife Jennifer of Concord, NC; and his nine grandchildren: Donald Miller III (Luke) and wife, Dustin, and John Mark Baxter all of Los Angeles; Rebecca Winn, Sarah Catherine, and Elizabeth DeCastro all of Charlotte, NC; Sarah Lynn and Matthew Lawrence both of Fairport, NY; and Evan Michael Smith and Dalton Andrew Smith both of Raleigh, NC.
Don's true enjoyment in life was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He cherished all the moments he shared with each and every one of them. He imparted his wisdom, knowledge and that special "Don" sense of humor to each of them and he will be dearly missed.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Eunice; his sister Marjorie Garnett and her husband Reuben; and his brother Kenneth and his wife Jean and his son Dwight.
A visitation with the family will take place Tuesday, March 15, 2011, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Harry and Bryant Co., 500 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.
A service to celebrate the life of Don Seltzer will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service.
Online condolences may be sent to harryandbryantfuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to all the staff at the Carolinas Medical Center in Pineville. The care and comfort they provided Don Seltzer is a testament to the staff's dedication and professionalism.