The obituary, shown below, was originally published in the March 5, 2012
issue of
The Daily Local News (West Chester, PA).
H. Donald Widdoes, 66, of Chadds Ford, died at his home on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, after a long illness.
He was the son of the late Harold Samuel Widdoes and Caroline Bachman.
Mr. Widdoes attended Kennett High School, Nottingham Academy and Widener University.
He worked as an engineer and technical designer, and was well known for his skill in modifying and improving motion picture equipment. He designed and manufactured computer technology for the United States Air Force and the Navy SEALs. He held several patents in the medical industry.
A skilled yachtsman, Mr. Widdoes was a former member of the board of directors at TIGHAR, and participated in the 2001 expedition and search for the plane wreckage of Amelia Earhart.
Mr. Widdoes is survived by his daughter, Amanda Mason Reilly and her husband, William Thomas Reilly Jr.; and two grandchildren, William Thomas Reilly III and John Robert Reilly, of San Francisco, Calif.
Mr. Widdoes was an active member of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, at the church, 3224 Appleton Road, Landenberg, PA 19350.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Vineyard Christian Fellowship at the Barn.