Obituary of Donald Raymond Ermel

Donald Raymond Ermel, aged 50, departed a well-lived life filled with love, happiness, and contentment on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Diagnosed in March 2019 with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, Donald was surrounded by his loving family as he drew his last breath on earth, and his first in Heaven. Donald was a devoted husband to his wife, Melissa, and a dedicated father to his sons, Matthew (21) and Brandon (19) and his daughter Caroline (15) all of Highlands Ranch and honorary daughter Brittany Cremeans (32) of Missouri. Donald also is survived by his parents, Kathleen Cucinotta and Donald A. Ermel of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; sisters Sharon Ermel Spadaccini (Michael) and Dawn Marie Smith (Randy); mother-in-law, Anita Cremeans and father-in-law, James W. Cremeans (Theresa); brother-in-law Jim Cremeans (Kristine); two nieces, and three nephews.

Donald was a highly respected aerospace engineer with Lockheed Martin for more than 20 years, and for the past five years was based at the company’s Denver campus. He was passionate about his work and thoroughly enjoyed his career.

Donald’s quirky sense of humor and quick wit immediately endeared him to everyone who met him; and his obvious love for his family, enthusiasm for his work, and zest for life made him a pleasure to be around. Donald will be sorely missed by all who knew him and will forever live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Donald and his family have deep roots in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Donald was born there, and he and Melissa raised their children there for many years. To accommodate friends and family both in Highlands Ranch and Bucks County, two celebration of life events will be held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to GBM TCE Research Fund at Penn Medicine. Credit card donations can be made at www.pennmedicine.org/gbmfund (please note “in memory of Donald Ermel.” For checks, please make payable to “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania,” noting “in memory of Donald Ermel,” and mail to Penn Medicine Development, Attn:  Sheryl Garton, 3535 Market St., Ste. 750, Philadelphia, PA  19104.