Dr. Donald Traviss

Donald (Don) P. Traviss, 77, a beloved father, brother, uncle, and partner, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2022 with loved ones by his side. Born on November 2, 1944 in Chicago, IL, he was the son of the late Parthen and Isabelle Traviss. He grew up in Trussville, AL where he became the youngest Eagle Scout in the state and was known for his sense of humor, leveraging scientific knowledge to play elaborate pranks on family, classmates, and friends. A man with a brilliant mind, he went on to earn degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology (B.S., M.S. Mech. Eng.), Pace University (M.B.A.) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Ph.D. Mech. Eng.), where he earned his doctoral degree in just two years. After completing his studies, Don went on to join Union Carbide and UOP, where he became the Vice President of Refining and Chemicals. Later, Don was elected President and CEO of Koppers Industries, Inc. and of Envirotrol, Inc. Outside of work, Don was a skilled woodworker, landscaper, motorcyclist, and investor. He also served on several boards to create positive change, including the Georgia Tech Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania, and the Sewickley Valley Historical Society. But more than anything, he had a passion for mentoring, giving his time freely to help countless others navigate life and career decisions. He lived by the motto “be curious about everything,” and this included other people. A kidney transplant in his later years gave him a new lease on life to pursue these passions and deepened his faith in the Lord. His dry sense of humor and compassion left imprints on the hearts of those around him and will be dearly missed. Left to honor and cherish his memories are his partner Judy Sartino; daughter Alexandra Traviss (Alex Duong); sisters Carolyn Lee (Larry) and Marilyn Shackelford (Mike); niece Michelle Knight; and nephew Sean Lee (Lina and children Yasmina and Naya). Friends and family are invited to attend a short visitation, a service, and a celebration of Don’s life at Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home (5630 Deerfoot Pkwy) in Trussville, AL on Saturday, July 2nd at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Kidney Fund (11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852). The family requests that masks be worn.

Dr. Donald Traviss

November 2, 1944 - June 24, 2022