Donald T. Follette, Sr. age 94, of Randolph, NJ passed away on December 1, 2023 after living a long and fulfilled life.

He was born on May 2, 1929 to Claude and Helen (Layden) Follette in Larchmont, NY but spent much of his youth growing up in New Rochelle, NY with his big brother Richard (Dick).

He attended New Rochelle High School and some of his greatest memories came from his participation in the sports he loved. He was proud to have been Captain of both the Varsity football and baseball teams.

After high school, Don married the love of his life, Patricia Flanagan in 1953. Soon after marrying, Don was drafted into the Army and served proudly while stationed in Stuttgart, Germany.

Don and Pat started their family with the birth of their first child, Donald Jr. After he was born, Pat and their newborn son joined Don in Germany. Their family grew in later years with the addition of Kathleen, Andrew and Cynthia.

After finishing his service, Don earned his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree at NYU while working at the Bell Labs as a draftsman. Later, he continued his education, pursuing a master's degree from Syracuse University. Don had a rewarding 23 year career at IBM where he

worked on creating and innovating cooling systems for main frame computers.

In 1990, Don retired from IBM and started to spend more time in his cherished Naples, Florida where he loved to eat out and spend time with his wife Pat. He spent countless hours watching his beloved Yankees, following politics and the stock market.

Don was predeceased by his loving wife, Pat, to whom he was married for 43 years. He was also predeceased by his second wife Jean Knapp, with whom he got to spend seven happy years, as well as his much loved brother Dick, of Metuchen, NJ.

Don is survived by his four children: Don Follette (Pat) of Endwell, NY; Kathleen Harder (Pat) of Kingston, NY; Andrew Follette (Veronica) of Poughkeepsie, NY and Cindy Lucus (PJ) of Randolph, NJ.

He was blessed to have 12 grandchildren as well as 5 great-grandchildren. His grandchildren include: Monica Roy (Justin), Ken Follette (Jayne), Margaret Ashline (Bryce), Ryan Blatter (Leah), Meagan Winokur (Michael), Rachel Harder, Lindsay Follette, Andrew Follette, Kelly Follette, Patrick Lucus, III, Catriona Lucus, Kieran Lucus. Great grandchildren: Hannah, Matthew & Iris Roy; Claire & Chase Ashline

Graveside services will be on Thursday December 7th at 12 noon at St Peter's Cemetery 171 Salt Point Tpke. Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Atlantic Visiting Nurse of Morristown, NJ, 465 South St. Suite 100A Morristown, NJ 07960 (www.atlantichealth.org)

To send an online condolence or for directions please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com