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Don Damuth Obituary
Born in East Orange, NJ, Don grew up in Merrick, Long Island, New York.
At Mepham HS Don was on the wrestling team. On an ROTC Scholarship, Don attended Stanford University where he continued wrestling and graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree.
After graduation, he married the love of his life Bernice, then proudly served in the US Marine Corp in Quantico, VA, Twenty-Nine Palms, CA and in Okinawa.
After the Marines, Don joined the Trane Air Conditioning company as a sales engineer and manager in New York, Philadelphia and Hampton Roads Virginia where he founded Damuth Trane in 1970.
His legacy as businessman and community leader are still with us, as Damuth Trane is thriving 50 years later. Through the years, Don served through Kiwanis, the Hampton Roads Chamber, and served as the President of the National Association of Trane Franchise Holders and other HVAC industry and community organizations.
Don's style of leadership was as a teacher and mentor to those around him. He was motived by helping others reach their full potential. This style has produced several leaders and business owners here in Southeast Virginia, and throughout the country.
A man of faith, Don worshiped at Bayside and 1st Presbyterian in Virginia Beach, And 1st Presbyterian in Bonita Springs, FL.
Don is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bernice, along with sons Clint (Peggy), Roger (Svitlana) and Philip (Cori) along with six grandchildren.
He and Bernice had residences in Virginia Beach and Naples, FL
Don enjoyed being on the water, golfing with his friends at the Cavalier and Audubon Country Clubs, working in his garage, cultivating oysters and spending time with Bernice, his friends and family.
There will be a celebration of life later this year.
Memorial donations may be made to FACT (Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater) 120 S. Lynnhaven Road, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Damuth
Sponsored by the family.
Fred Kautz
July 16, 2025
Don's legacy will continue until the very last person who knew him passes.--He was absolutely the best---Semper Fi, my friend
The Radich Family
July 28, 2020
We are sending healing prayers & comforting embraces to the entire Damuth Family, and hope that wonderful memories of Don will provide comfort, love, and light to all of you :)
Karla Tewes
July 27, 2020
I was so sad to hear this news today! I have let my parents know and we are all devastated. Sending all of you our love and condolences. We have so many fond memories of times with you all in Virginia Beach. xx
Curtis Connell
July 24, 2020
When I worked at Damuth Trane, it was such a privilege to be able to have conversations with Don. He always wanted to know how I was doing. He was a very sincere and caring man. It was a pleasure to know you sir. Fair winds and following seas. My prayers and condolences go out to the Damuth family during this time of loss.
FRED KAUTZ
July 23, 2020
DON WAS A WONDERFUL LEADER AND A FELLOW MARINE. I VERY MUCH ENJOYED MY RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM OVER MANY YEARS.---HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE SUCCESS OF THE TRANE COMPANY IS LEGENDARY. HIS TRANE FRANCHISE WAS VERY WELL RESPECTED AND HIS LEADERSHIP IN THE MARKETING COUNCIL AND TRANE FRANCHISE ORGANIZATION WAS IMMEASURABLE.HE WAS A FRIEND AND A FELLOW GOLFER. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO BERNICE, CLINT, ROGER, PHIL AND THEIR FAMILIES.
FRED KAUTZ
Kay Mayfield O'Shaughnessy
July 22, 2020
Don Damuth was the best mentor I have ever had the opportunity to know. He was a wonderful boss and helped me begin a career outside of academia. I will be forever grateful for his influence in my life. My deepest sympathy to the entire Damuth Family.
Kevin Cranmer
July 22, 2020
I am sorry to hear about Mr. Damuth's passing, he will be missed
Beth Loflin
July 22, 2020
I was saddened to see this in the Virginian Pilot this morning. Don Damuth was a great guy, and I'm proud to have worked for him. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Damuth, Clint, Roger and Phil.
Michael Raymer
July 22, 2020
May God bless the family of Mr. Don Damuth in this time of sorrow.
Bob Case
July 22, 2020
Don was a Genuine Class Act. He helped every person he spent time with be better. I am blessed to have been one of those people - Thank You Don!
John Orman Jr
July 22, 2020
This is a big loss for me personally. I have admired and respected Don my entire 40 years in Engineering. He was a great mentor and friend to all and his passing places a huge hole in my heart because most of all, I am proud to say that Don Damuth was my friend. I will miss his smile, his hugs, his knowledge that he always unselfishly shared and the spirit that shined so greatly when you were around him. I will never forget him or his legacy to his family and our community in Hampton Roads. To my friend I can only say, "Fair winds and following seas".
Robert Cowling, VP
July 22, 2020
It is with sadness that the Old Point Trust family learns of Don's passing. Out thoughts and support go to his family and the extended business family that will miss him greatly.
Philip S Armstrong Jr
July 21, 2020
As a young sales engineer with Trane (even though I was only 8 years younger ) and through my manager John Tudor, Don was always available for questions and thoughts . Always a gentleman and with his wife Bernice who was always a friend to my wife Charliene. Don RIP!!
William Bernick
July 21, 2020
The ultimate Gentleman. Always passionate about his business, faith and family. A true mentor and a wonderful example of how to build a life around your family and your business using a set of Shared Values that he truly believed in and lived.
His legacy lives through his boys and their families as well through his Business.
May his memory be eternal.
Don Druyanoff
July 21, 2020
I worked closely with Don early in his career when he worked for Trane in New York City and Long Island. We were both with Trane our entire careers. He was a wonderful friend and colleague for 58 years. He will definitely be missed by all who knew him.
Debbie Whitehurst
July 21, 2020
We are so sadden to hear about the passing of this great man. He was and inspiration to all who knew him. He was a kind gentle man and will be missed by everyone he ever touched in his life. Our thoughts and prayers are for the whole Damuth family and their employees! All our love!
Mark and Debbie Whitehurst
Paul Garrison
July 21, 2020
I have worked with and admired Don for over 30 years. He was ever the honest gentleman. I will miss seeing him at Damuth Trane where i frequently went to industry meetings. My prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues.
July 21, 2020
Semper Fi Marine, Rip.
Susan Gustavsen
July 21, 2020
He was a pleasure to be around. Always smiling! Always positive!
I miss him dearly, but knowing he's with his Lord and smiling down on us gives me comfort! RIP Don
July 21, 2020
Semper fi
Tom Bartek
July 21, 2020
When i was a salesman with Wilson trucking I had the honor of meeting Don.I only met with Don on a few occassions but he treated me with such respect and even invited me many years ago to the Damuth picnic.He will be missed here on earth but the gates of heaven will open for the wonderful human being.God bless the family during these times.
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