As the ball dropped to celebrate a New Year, Donald Zane McGiffney rose to Heaven to celebrate eternity with the Lord. We were privileged to have spent time with such a gentle, caring, and generous soul.

Donald was born in Mt. Holly, NJ on August 18, 1932, to Anna (Zane) McGiffney and Joseph E. McGiffney. He graduated from Collingswood High School in 1950, and Rutgers University in 1954 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. From there, he received a commission in the United States Air Force and was stationed at the now-defunct Griffiss AFB in Rome, NY. After his Air Force service, he began his career where he worked in microwave communications, then transitioned to satellite communication design at the beginning of the Space Age. He eventually retired from Lockheed where his many contributions to America’s space program included working on the Viking Mars Lander with JPL.

In 1962, Don married the love of his life, Tatjana Arula, in Camden, NJ. From there he moved to East Brunswick, NJ where he fathered three boys – Gregory, Philip, and Paul. Don lived there until his passing. He was an avid sports fan teaching his sons many sports including Track and Football (where he competed in High School and College) as well as Skiing. He was a lifetime Philadelphia Eagles fan (and former season ticket holder) who got to see his beloved team win yet another Super Bowl this past season. An avid reader and life-time learner, Don shared his love of science, engineering, mathematics, history, and sports with his family. Always an encourager and tutor, he helped his sons pursue excellence in all that they do and was their biggest supporter in helping them follow their dreams. A brilliant man, Don proved himself to be an intellectual giant who we will all remember as an influential role model of character and integrity throughout his long and successful life.

Don was predeceased by his parents, his sons Philip and Paul, as well as his sister Kathryn Kircher and brother Joseph McGiffney. He is survived by his wife Tanya McGiffney, his son CAPT Greg McGiffney (USN, ret.), beloved daughter-in-law Holly Logan McGiffney, niece Karen Kircher, and the joys of his life – grandson Kyle Gregory McGiffney and granddaughter Kelly Logan McGiffney. He will be sorely missed by his many friends who remain, but he will be joyfully greeted again by the many more who will meet him in Heaven.