In Memory Of
Donald L. Harms
1922
2017
Donald L. Harms
October 27, 1922 — September 18, 2017
SCHENECTADY- Donald L. Harms, 94, son of Samuel and Aletha Harms, passed to his reward from Schenectady Center For Rehabilitation and Nursing.
Born and raised in Lewiston, Maine, he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in chemistry from Bates College. Enlisting in the Army for the end of World War II, he received an honorable discharge with the rank of Corporal.
Donald completed his formal schooling with a Master's degree in chemistry from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He then started a career at General Electric, becoming an Analytical Chemist at the Materials and Processing Center, Schenectady, where he eventually retired.
Professionally, Donald co-authored a foundational paper on the insecticide DDT. Until banned for possible side effects on other wildlife, DDT single handedly saved the lives of thousands if not millions of human lives from the malaria mosquito.
Donald was an avid traveler, visiting almost every state in the union with his family. He was an accomplished gardener and enjoyed steam railroading, becoming a member of a local live steam railroading club. He was a longtime member of Tabernacle Baptist Church of Schenectady, serving most of his years as a Trustee, Deacon and Usher.
He is survived by his wife, Theodora, 92, of 66 years, son Randall, 63, of Selkirk, NY, son Eric, 65, two granddaughters, and seven great grandchildren, all of Brevard County, Florida.
A short funeral service will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017 at 11:00am at Evergreen Memorial Park, Schenectady, where he will be buried.
Donations maybe given in his name to the Audubon Society.
To leave a special message for the family online please click the link above to 'share memories'.
Born and raised in Lewiston, Maine, he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in chemistry from Bates College. Enlisting in the Army for the end of World War II, he received an honorable discharge with the rank of Corporal.
Donald completed his formal schooling with a Master's degree in chemistry from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He then started a career at General Electric, becoming an Analytical Chemist at the Materials and Processing Center, Schenectady, where he eventually retired.
Professionally, Donald co-authored a foundational paper on the insecticide DDT. Until banned for possible side effects on other wildlife, DDT single handedly saved the lives of thousands if not millions of human lives from the malaria mosquito.
Donald was an avid traveler, visiting almost every state in the union with his family. He was an accomplished gardener and enjoyed steam railroading, becoming a member of a local live steam railroading club. He was a longtime member of Tabernacle Baptist Church of Schenectady, serving most of his years as a Trustee, Deacon and Usher.
He is survived by his wife, Theodora, 92, of 66 years, son Randall, 63, of Selkirk, NY, son Eric, 65, two granddaughters, and seven great grandchildren, all of Brevard County, Florida.
A short funeral service will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017 at 11:00am at Evergreen Memorial Park, Schenectady, where he will be buried.
Donations maybe given in his name to the Audubon Society.
To leave a special message for the family online please click the link above to 'share memories'.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald L. Harms, please visit our flower store.
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