Donald Patrick Scott
April 21, 1942 ~ June 8, 2020
I’d rather sit alone on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion. Henry David Thoreau
Donald Patrick Scott, aged 78 died peacefully of natural causes at home in Annandale, Virginia on June 8, 2020. Donald was born on April 21, 1942 to Gertrude (Dempsey) Scott and Stephen Scott in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Don, as he was called, grew up playing baseball and basketball while learning the fine art of storytelling in Bridgeport. He was raised by a single mother “Gert” who worked several jobs to support Donald and his sister Patricia. His childhood, though familiar with struggles common to single-parent households had immense love, encouragement and most importantly, humor. He graduated from Notre Dame Catholic Highschool and earned a basketball scholarship to University of Bridgeport. After one year at University of Bridgeport he transferred to Niagara University where he graduated in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in English. In August 1964 he married his high school sweetheart Jaqueline C. Galla. To make ends meet, Don dressed in full costume as the Exxon Tiger and delighted in his new role as a father. He joined Ford Motor Company sales and moved with Ford to northern Virginia in 1972, where he called home for more than 45 years. Having a creative streak and passion for free enterprise Don left Ford and began a gift store the Velvet Pumpkin with his wife Jackie. At its height, the “Pumpkin” had several locations, including Tysons Corner. Throughout his life, Donald was an avid reader, movie lover, music and Broadway musical aficionado and one of, if not the world’s biggest Frank Sinatra’s fans. He could “name that tune” in three notes or less and loved his Airedales, Giggs, Chance, Bailey and golden retriever Francis. He enjoyed vacationing and made an annual trek for many years from Virginia to Cape Cod, while sometimes adding in a visit to the many (!) addresses in Bridgeport that he called home as a child, and the high school hangout Conte’s. He relished in all sports progressions of his beloved sports legends like Micky Mantle right along that of his two grandsons. Don can easily be described as having left an impression. He loved to discuss, ask questions, and simply talk, all while raising the artform of conversation, as he was fond of saying “don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story”.
Donald is survived by his wife Jacqueline, daughters: Kimberly Stein, (spouse Michael Stein), Lindsey Scott (spouse Tim Mullen), Melissa Scott; grandchildren: Fitzpatrick Stein, Jacqueline Stein, Lainey Mullen and Maxwell Mullen; sister: Patricia Scott and his golden retriever Francis. Predeceased by grandson Wellesley Mullen in 2001.
Don’s memorial service, officiated by a best friend, Rev. Daniel Devore at 11:00, June 15, 2020 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5121 Woodland Way, Annandale, VA 22003.
Place of interment is Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032
Donald Patrick Scott, aged 78 died peacefully of natural causes at home in Annandale, Virginia on June 8, 2020. Donald was born on April 21, 1942 to Gertrude (Dempsey) Scott and Stephen Scott in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Don, as he was called, grew up playing baseball and basketball while learning the fine art of storytelling in Bridgeport. He was raised by a single mother “Gert” who worked several jobs to support Donald and his sister Patricia. His childhood, though familiar with struggles common to single-parent households had immense love, encouragement and most importantly, humor. He graduated from Notre Dame Catholic Highschool and earned a basketball scholarship to University of Bridgeport. After one year at University of Bridgeport he transferred to Niagara University where he graduated in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in English. In August 1964 he married his high school sweetheart Jaqueline C. Galla. To make ends meet, Don dressed in full costume as the Exxon Tiger and delighted in his new role as a father. He joined Ford Motor Company sales and moved with Ford to northern Virginia in 1972, where he called home for more than 45 years. Having a creative streak and passion for free enterprise Don left Ford and began a gift store the Velvet Pumpkin with his wife Jackie. At its height, the “Pumpkin” had several locations, including Tysons Corner. Throughout his life, Donald was an avid reader, movie lover, music and Broadway musical aficionado and one of, if not the world’s biggest Frank Sinatra’s fans. He could “name that tune” in three notes or less and loved his Airedales, Giggs, Chance, Bailey and golden retriever Francis. He enjoyed vacationing and made an annual trek for many years from Virginia to Cape Cod, while sometimes adding in a visit to the many (!) addresses in Bridgeport that he called home as a child, and the high school hangout Conte’s. He relished in all sports progressions of his beloved sports legends like Micky Mantle right along that of his two grandsons. Don can easily be described as having left an impression. He loved to discuss, ask questions, and simply talk, all while raising the artform of conversation, as he was fond of saying “don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story”.
Donald is survived by his wife Jacqueline, daughters: Kimberly Stein, (spouse Michael Stein), Lindsey Scott (spouse Tim Mullen), Melissa Scott; grandchildren: Fitzpatrick Stein, Jacqueline Stein, Lainey Mullen and Maxwell Mullen; sister: Patricia Scott and his golden retriever Francis. Predeceased by grandson Wellesley Mullen in 2001.
Don’s memorial service, officiated by a best friend, Rev. Daniel Devore at 11:00, June 15, 2020 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5121 Woodland Way, Annandale, VA 22003.
Place of interment is Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032
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A tremendous classmate and friend during our formative years. Don always had a smile on his face which brightened our days at ND. Jack French