Donald E. Drinkwater

Donald E. Drinkwater, 85, of Albany, New York, passed away on February 26, 2026.

Born on July 3, 1940, Donald was, above all else, a man of kindness, integrity, and quiet strength. He approached life with humility and a gentle steadiness that made others feel grounded in his presence. He was an extraordinary family man—devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren —and he built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering support. His loved ones will remember him for his thoughtful nature, his kind smile, and the deep, abiding love he carried for his family.

Donald brought that same spirit to everything he did. He devoted his 31year career to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (formerly the National Bureau of Standards), where he took great pride in his work and the colleagues who became lifelong friends.

Donald retired in 1995 from the National Bureau of Standards/National Institutes of Standards and Technology as Supervisory Budget Analyst, the leader of the Formulation and Financial Management Group. He was a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM). During his tenure, he received two prestigious honorary awards for exemplary performance, an NBS Bronze Medal in 1981 and a Department of Commerce Silver Medal in 1990, which celebrated him in large award ceremonies. Donald was recognized not only for his contributions in improving and automating the budget process, which resulted in significant productivity increases and labor savings, but “consistently exhibiting outstanding initiative, competence, and industry.”

Donald was known for his deep love of sports—both playing and following them. A gifted athlete in his youth, he spent countless hours on little league fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and soccer fields. As an adult, he became an avid golfer, embracing the game with enthusiasm and determination even after learning he had muscular dystrophy. His resilience, good humor, and competitive spirit never wavered.

Service to others was woven into the fabric of his life. He generously volunteered his time to his church and community, serving as Treasurer for both the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Florida and the Lake Suzy community. He also helped rebuild his church after Hurricane Charley, a testament to his steady commitment to helping others.

After graduating from University of Massachusetts with an MBA in Finance, Donald moved to Washington, DC. In 1964 and met Joanna, the love of his life, in a whirlwind romance. They raised their family in Ijamsville, Maryland, before settling into their retirement home in Lake Suzy, Florida. In later years, they moved to Albany, New York, to be closer to family.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joanna Drinkwater; his son, Donald (Heather) Drinkwater; his daughter, Sandra (Andrew) Presgraves; his five grandchildren, Amanda (Andrew), Samuel (Kelsey), William, Barton, and Ruth; his sister-in-law, Sue, niece and nephew, Jon and Deborah, and 4 grandnieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Edith, and his brothers, Ralph and Robert.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in his honor. Arrangements by DeMarco Stone, Guilderland. Condolences can be posted at demarcostonefuneralhome.com.