Donald S. Kimmel

Donald Stuart Kimmel of Fletcher passed away peacefully on March 4th, 2025 at Fletcher Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

Donald was born on March 21, 1942 in Johnstown, Pa, to the late John and Irmamae Kimmel. He graduated from Johnstown High School and earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1964, and his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from NYU in 1966.

Don loved his profession as an Engineer as he worked in numerous capacities on many projects throughout his career. He began with Bell Labs in Whippany, NJ in 1964 and most notably on assignment with computer simulations for NASA’s Apollo Project. In 1967 he then went to work for Westinghouse in Pittsburgh PA. Still with Westinghouse, Don moved to their Arden, NC location in 1989. His division sold to Eaton/Cutler-Hammer in 1995 and Don continued his work with them until he retired in 2004. During his long and successful career, he is credited with 9 U.S. patents for various innovations.

Don met Zilla Best at church camp while both were still in high school. They fell in love and married in April of 1965. Zilla was the love of his life, and he, hers. Don was a kind, patient, and understanding husband and father. He loved Zilla and their two children unconditionally and without judgement.

He enjoyed many activities from fishing, camping, golfing, playing cards, volunteering for his kid’s activities and time with family and friends along the way. He had a witty and sarcastic sense of humor. He was a lifelong fan of his Pittsburgh pro sports teams. Don was also a faithful Christian his whole life and enjoyed singing in choirs and being active in the parish communities of which he was a member.

Donald is survived by his Wife Zilla of Arden, NC, daughter Jodi Edeburn (h. Brant), of Crestwood, KY; son Scott Kimmel (w. Jessica), of Gastonia, NC; grandchildren: Peyton Greenrose of Kentucky, Derek Edeburn of Crestwood, KY, and Allison, Benjamin, and Zachary Kimmel of Gastonia, NC; and sisters: Gretchen Bingham of Ontario, Canada, and Patricia Donahue of Johnstown, PA.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Fletcher United Methodist Church with Pastors Randy Sherrill and Vic Mansfield officiating. Inurnment will be private.

Memorial contributions in Donald’s memory may be made to Fletcher United Methodist Church, 50 Library Road, Fletcher, NC 28732.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.