Donald Leroy Hotchkiss Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Leroy Hotchkiss Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left this world peacefully on June 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and service. Born on April 4, 1954, in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California at Letterman General Hospital on the Presidio. Donald's journey began as the cherished son of Gwendolyn Lanni Hotchkiss and Donald Leroy Hotchkiss Sr. Donald was a man of great intellect and determination. He graduated from Sierra Vista High School in 1972, and his passion for engineering led him to the University of Arizona in Tucson. There, he not only earned a degree in Civil Engineering but also distinguished himself as an ROTC cadet, embodying a spirit of leadership and service that would guide his future endeavors. Donald furthered his education with a Master’s in Construction Management from Boston University, a testament to his commitment to excellence in his field. In service to his country, Donald joined the United States Army, where he served with honor as a 2nd Lieutenant in Germany and later as a Captain over the 65th Division Engineer Battalion in Hawaii. His military career was marked by dedication and a steadfast commitment to his fellow soldiers. Donald’s personal life was enriched by love and family. He was first married to Kathy, with whom he had two Daughters. Abbey, born in Hawaii in 1985, and Hannah, born in Oklahoma in 1987. They divorces in 1992. On October 22, 2022, he found love again and married Carol Franklin, who stood by his side with unwavering support and devotion. Donald was a proud and loving grandfather to five wonderful grandchildren, whom he adored: Abby Wilson (Evan), Hannah Watts (Brok), and their siblings. He is survived by his wife Carol, his grandchildren, his brother Gary Hotchkiss (Cindy), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins from the Hotchkiss family, all of whom held a special place in his heart. His parents and grandmother, Marjorie, predeceased him, but their memory lived on in his stories and actions. Donald was a man who valued community and kindness, touching the lives of everyone he met with his warmth and generosity. His friends and family will remember him as a man of principle and humor, whose laughter could light up a room and whose wisdom was often sought after. In honor of Donald's life and in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, reflecting the spirit of giving that Donald embodied throughout his life. Donald Leroy Hotchkiss Jr. will be profoundly missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. His legacy of love and service continues to inspire us, reminding us to live with purpose and kindness.