Donald Richard Mendorf

Don served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960 with the 687th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron, stationed in Alaska and New Mexico.

He graduated from Newark College of Engineering (now known as New Jersey Institute of Technology [NJIT] ) in 1968.

He worked as an Electrical Engineer, specializing in Telecommunications, starting his career at Bell Labs in New Jersey. During his career, he helped to develop new technologies in the communication and computer field, and worked with a variety of companies including IBM, Stromberg Carlson, ITT, Nortel and Gartner. He was also granted a patent for technology he developed during his career.

After retirement, Don continued to work part-time jobs including maintenance with Target Stores, and security at The Villages, Florida.

He was actively involved in IEEE and the Telephone Pioneers of America.

He is preceded in death by his Parents, Joseph C. and Mabel A. Mendorf, and his step-mother, Amelia C. Mendorf.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, and his daughters, Karen Lynn Mendorf (Gene Morgan) and Kristin Lee Matthews (Clement Matthews, Jr.), and many loving furry grandchildren.

Don was a devoted husband and father. He and Barbara were married 60 years.

Don traveled extensively during his lifetime. His business took him to many foreign places, including Austria, South Korea, Malaysia and India. Over the years, the family took several trips, including summer camping trips to the Smoky Mountains, visits to D.C. and New York City, and a trip to Norway to meet some of his extended family. Don and Barbara also took a European cruise on the Rhine.

Don loved western movies and military dramas, jazz music, gardening, golf, fishing, comics, and reading his trade journals. He was also very proud of his Norwegian heritage.

But most importantly, Don loved his wife, his daughters and extended family, and his beloved dogs, Meg and Toby. And his wife and family love him very much.

The family would like to thank the Staff of Caring Senior Service at Independence Village of Olde Raleigh for the care they provided over the past year.

Family and friends were invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC Thursday, January 16, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Don's honor to Saving Grace NC.

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