ADDISON — The Reverend Dr. Donald G. Lewis Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, died unexpectedly on Feb. 21, 2022, at UVM Medical Center with his family at his side.
Donald was born on May 10, 1943, to Amelia V. Beal and Donald G. Lewis Sr. in Bethlehem, Pa. He attended schools in Montgomery County, Pa., graduating from Upper Moreland High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Millersville State University in 1965 with honors in Philosophy. He pursued further studies at Franklin and Marshall College and became a graduate assistant in Philosophy at Bucknell University.
In 1972 Donald Lewis graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with the degree Master of Divinity. He completed his doctoral work at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was Director of Annual Giving at Princeton Theological Seminary and served congregations as pastor in Shrewsbury, Toms River, Chatham and Fanwood, N.J., as well as Richardson, Texas. He further served as an Army Reserve Chaplain, retiring in 2003 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Donald Lewis married Judith Ann Slater in 1969, with whom he had three children: Kathryn Elizabeth, Donald Gordon and Matthew James.
Donald retired from active ministry and moved to Addison, Vt., in 2010. Together, Don and Judy opened a small inn, where they welcomed many people into their home, many of whom have remained dear friends.
Donald found his way to Northlands Job Corp in 2012, where he enjoyed working with youth as a counselor for nearly 10 years. He enjoyed reading, sailing on Lake Champlain, gardening and tending to his roses, blueberries and small orchard. He loved his German Shepherds. His favorite day of the year was Christmas.
Don was blessed with seven grandchildren who loved coming to spend time with him, picking flowers, sailing and riding in his blue MG.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Lewis, of Addison, Vt.; children, Kathryn E. Lewis (Jason) of Pt. Reyes, Calif., D.G. III (Leah) of Mill Valley, Calif., and Matthew James (Carrie) of Brandon, Vt.; his seven grandchildren; his sister Marilyn Smith (Winton) of Memphis, Tenn.; and his brother Robert Lewis (Jill) of Cincinnati, Ohio.
A private family service took place on Feb. 27. Interment will take place at a later date at the Vermont National Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be sent to Princeton Theological Seminary.
