Donald C. Huffman

Donald Charles Huffman, longtime resident of Bethel Park and recently of McMurray, PA, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026 at the age of 91 after a brief illness. 

Survived by sons Jeffrey (David Della Peruta) of Portland, Oregon and Charles of Apex, North Carolina, as well as siblings Jay Huffman (Adele), Beverly Hibar, Sally Chiappetta (Hutch) and William Huffman (Linda), brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and dear friends. Donald was predeceased by his beloved wifeof 58 years, Paula (White) Huffman, his parents, siblings David Huffman, Gene Huffman and Trudy Sinatra, brother-in-law Donald Hibar, sisters-in-law Pamela Huffman and Carlene Huffman, and nieces Susan Judd, Tammy Cunningham and Natalie Huffman. 

Born at McKeesport Hospital on November 20, 1934 to the late Charles A. and Gertrude (Trasp) Huffman of Clairton, PA, Don graduated from Clairton High School and then from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He spent over 55 years working as a certified Professional Engineer (licensed in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia) and at the time of his retirement at age 79 he worked for himself at his own consulting company. Through the years, many clients were only willing to have him work on their projects. Well known and regarded for being meticulously thorough, he eschewed computer-aided programs and drew plans (left-handed) using graph paper as he had learned decades before. Although he still owned a slide rule for nostalgic purposes, he was happy for the aid of scientific calculators once they became available. Don enjoyed being a member of Mensa International and was a Freemason for over 60 years. He was proud of his Clairton roots and enjoyed attending many CHS reunions over the years. 

Travel with his wife and friends took Don to 48 states and 6 continents throughout his lifetime. The plenitude of books stacked in many inconvenient places was a testament to his voracious interest in reading both fiction and non-fiction. He loved playing cards, especially euchre and pinochle and was an excellent bowler in his heyday. For years he dutifully filled several backyard birdfeeders until he finally ran out of ways to outsmart the squirrels. His taste in music was firmly entrenched in oldies and “back in the day” country songs.Don enjoyed spicy food but only considered it spicy enough if it caused his scalp to perspire; this included chili in which kidney beans were strictly prohibited. Don’s only tipple of choice was beer – the colder the better. Beer was substituted in his champagne glass at his wedding reception. 

Very few people were allowed to see his tender sentimentality but those fortunate to witness it understood how it drove his choices and decisions. Don prioritized his family and was an excellent guardian of their welfare. Don had a wonderful sense of humor, even if not always appropriate. It was a special treat for his family when they could witness him laughing so uncontrollably to the point of tears streaming down his face. 

Visitation will be at Paul Henney Cremation & Funeral Tributes, 5570 Library Road, Bethel Park, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 11 a.m until 1 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. at Paul Henney Cremation & Funeral Tributes. The columbarium at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St. Clair will be Donald’s final resting place via a private inurnment. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are recommended to the National Audubon Society. 

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