Donal Bryant

Donal Bryant was born on April 20, 1932, in Providence, RI. During high school, he spent his summers working as a lifeguard at the Lincoln Woods. He went on to serve in the United States Navy, making a name for himself on the Navy swim team.

After leaving the Navy, he received a Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering at the Rhode Island School of Design. It was there that he met the love of his life, Janet, and they married in 1957. Upon graduation, Don was offered a job in California with McDonald Douglas, which began his career in the space industry. His work included the Saturn/Apollo missions, Sky Lab (US Space Station), Space Shuttle missions, as well as working with the ESA/European Space Agency and with the ISS/International Space Station project.

Don had numerous hobbies: camping, sailing, designing and building their “treehouse” on the river, and collecting Hawaiian shirts. He traveled to every continent except Antarctica and to all 50 states. When asked where his favorite location was in all his travels, he said Yosemite National Park was the most spectacular of them all.

Don is survived by his wife, Janet, of 68 years; his two sons, Keith and Kevin; his seven grandchildren; and his three great-grandchildren.

An interment ceremony will be held at Queen of Angels cemetery, Winter Park, on May 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Parks Conservation Association.