Donald Allen Henderson, age 92, a former longtime resident of Swarthmore, Pa., died on September 26, 2024 in Glen Mills. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Henkel "Hink" and Isabel Spitler Henderson, and his brother Bernard "Bud" Henderson.

Don was born on January 6, 1932 in Philadelphia. He attended John Bartram High School (Class of '49) and graduated from West Chester State Teachers College in 1953 with a degree in Mathematics and Physical Education. He later earned his Masters of Education from Temple University. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, Don married his college sweetheart Marjorie (née Wagner) in 1955, and they moved to Wallingford, and then Swarthmore where Don had accepted a job teaching Mathematics at Swarthmore Jr. and Sr. High School. They lived in Swarthmore for over 50 years, raising their four boys, and establishing themselves as beloved members of the community.

In addition to teaching Math, Don was a respected basketball coach ( Junior High, J.V. and Varsity ) as well as a football coach for the Junior High teams. Over the course of his career, he served as the Mathematics Department Chair, the Teachers Association President, and the Boys Athletic Director for Swarthmore Schools. Don was appointed the first Athletic Director at Strath Haven High School in 1983 when Swarthmore H.S. and Nether Providence H.S. merged. He ultimately retired from the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District in 1986 and was a proud recipient of the Strath Haven High School Student Council Outstanding Service Award.

Don and Marge were parishioners at the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, where they worshipped and served for over fifty years.  His commitment to the community was evidenced by his 43-year tenure as the director of the Swarthmore Recreation Association, as well as his 17 years managing the Swarthmore Swim Club. Generations of Swarthmore children and families looked up to Don as a teacher, coach, mentor and community leader. In 2000 the borough honored Don by renaming the former Riverview Athletic field "The Don Henderson Field". Don was very devoted to his family and friends. He loved bringing them together planning backyard family picnics, getaways with friends, trips to Eagles Mere and annual family vacations to Ocean City. Above all, Don will be remembered as a man of great integrity and humility who gave so much of himself to his family and to the community.

Don is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marjorie, and his four sons; Don Jr., Rob ( Diane), Rick (Jodi), and Dave. He also leaves 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Don's life has been scheduled for Saturday, October 26 at the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church at 1:30 PM followed by light refreshments.  All are invited to attend.

The Henderson family would greatly appreciate memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, to the following:

Maris Grove Scholars Fund
Checks made payable to "Maris Grove Scholars Fund"
Memo: Don Henderson
Mail to: 200 Maris Grove Way
Glen Mills  PA  19342
Attn: Sarah Golden/Philanthropy

Or

Chester Eastside, Inc.
Checks made payable to "Chester Eastside, Inc.
Memo: Don Henderson/Summer Camp
Mail to: 301 E. 9th St.
P.O. Box 36
Chester, PA  19013
Or online at ceichester.org
Please dedicate in memory of "Don Henderson/Summer Camp"

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Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
www.haganfuneralhome.com