Dolph L Hatfield

Dolph L Hatfield was an adventuresome and multifaceted person with a variety of interests and talents. In addition to being a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and husband, he was a retired scientist from the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, having published more than 300 scientific articles. In November 1992, he received the National Institute of Health Award of Merit “For expanding the universal genetic code to include selenocysteine, the 21st naturally occurring amino acid in protein.”

A list of his accomplishments in science can be found on his website (www.dolph-hatfield.com/) under the tab designated Professional. He was also an author of numerous articles outside of his profession relating to an array of topics focusing in part on civil rights issues (see tabs designated Published and Unpublished on his website). In addition, he was an athlete and participated in the Senior Games (also still called the Senior Olympics by numerous U.S. States) winning more than 80 medals (Gold, Silver and Bronze). He obtained a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do (see Sports on his website).

Furthermore, Dolph was a former lay reader and chalice bearer at St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, DC, where he read before three U.S. Presidents, and was a former lay reader and chalice bearer at the National Cathedral. Dolph was actively involved with Washington DC’s homeless providing hope, inspiration and friendship (see Community Activities). One of his primary hobbies was photography (see Photography) and his other hobbies included spelunking, race car driving and mountain climbing (see Adventures).

A reporter once described Dolph as “bigger than life,” and in many ways, he was. He left a mark on the world that will endure through his work, his ideas, and the many lives he touched.

Dolph was born in El Paso, TX on October 3, 1937. He attended El Paso High School, where he served as Student Body President. He graduated from high school in January 1955 and then attended the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated from the University of Texas with a major in Zoology in May 1958. He received his master’s degree in May 1960 and received his Doctorate in January 1962 from the Genetics Foundation at the University of Texas, where he was trained and mentored by his major professor, Dr. Hugh S. Forrest (see more about Dr. Forrest under the Tab Professional). Dolph did postdoctoral training under Dr. James B. Wyngaarden at Duke University Medical School and then under two Nobel Prize Winners, Dr. Marshall Nirenberg at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, and Dr. Jacques Monod at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France. After completion of his postdoctoral training, Dolph accepted a position at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, where he spent his entire scientific career.

Dolph is preceded in death by his mother, Francis Lee Harris Hatfield; his father, Haskell Doke Hatfield and his brother, Haskell Harris Hatfield. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary J. Wilson; his children, Hugh H. Hatfield (Cherryl), Sandy Hatfield Clubb (Jeff), and Michele J. Quesenberry (Jeff); his grandchildren, Justin Quesenberry, Lance Quesenberry, Amber Hatfield-Donahew (Sean), Logan Hatfield Whitmore (Colin), Tristan Clubb, and Skyelar Clubb; and his great-granddaughter, Liliana Quesenberry.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, 1525 H St NW, Washington, DC 20005. The family invites those in attendance to a reception at the church immediately following the service. Dolph will be laid to rest at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Pathways to Housing DC ( https://pathwaystohousingdc.org ), handout $5 McDonald’s gift certificates to the homeless, or give to a charity of your choice in honor of Dolph L Hatfield.