Donald Ray Greenlee, age 85, of Shelton entered into rest on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s dementia.
Don was born on July 6, 1939 in Charleston, West Virginia. He was the son of Jess and Marie (Kiel) Greenlee, and had one brother, Robert, who predeceased him. He graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1957, and went on to attend MIT, the University of Florida, Syracuse University and Ohio State, where he graduated with Masters’ degrees in Math, Science, and Engineering Systems, Math Modelling and Probability and Statistics.
He had a brilliant career in the field of Test and Evaluation Engineering. Most notably, he was brought to NASA to work on the team writing software procedures for the successful return of Apollo 13, during his tenure for the Under Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. After many years as a top test and evaluation official at the Pentagon, Don left government work and moved into the private sector. He worked for Science Applications International Corporation until his retirement.
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As an accomplished runner, he finished 26 marathons. Flying a Cessna was also a weekend passion of his in his younger days. He had an unparalleled sense of humor and a very quick wit.
Don is survived by Karen, his wife and comedic partner of 32 years, his sons, Mark (Lisa), of Maryland, Bryan, of Hawaii, his stepdaughter Catherine, of New Mexico, and grandchildren, Eric, Natalie, and Matthew.
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Don and Karen shared a love of laughter that undoubtedly bonded them. He was equally as brillant in his career as he was a master of puns. Don had a lifelong love of soccer and stayed actively in touch with his high school graduating class of 15 students, sharing daily tales. He was an accomplished man, yet very humble. He always found joy in life’s everyday humor.
One of his favorite quotes he lived by was from George Bernard Shaw; “You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”
At Don’s request, there will be no funeral or formal memorial service. Instead, he asked that friends and loved ones enjoy life and have some fun.
The Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Rd., Shelton has been entrusted with his arrangements. Friends may leave condolences at www.riverviewfh.com.
